deduce

American  

[dih-doos, -dyoos] / dɪˈdus, -ˈdyus /

verb (used with object)

deduced, deducing

1. to derive as a conclusion from something known or assumed; infer.

   From the evidence the detective deduced that the gardener had done it.

   Synonyms:

   determine, gather, reason, conclude

2. to trace the derivation of; trace the course of.

   to deduce one's lineage.

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deduce British  

/ dɪˈdjuːs /

verb

1. (may take a clause as object) to reach (a conclusion about something) by reasoning; conclude (that); infer

2. archaic to trace the origin, course, or derivation of

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Other Word Forms

• deducibility noun
• deducible adjective
• deducibleness noun
• deducibly adverb
• nondeducible adjective
• subdeducible adjective
• undeduced adjective
• undeducible adjective

Etymology

Origin of deduce

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin dēdūcere “to lead down, derive,” from dē- de- + dūcere “to lead”

Example Sentences

Using details like the number of shadows that fall on each guest’s neck, she deduced features such as the number of light sources the show uses, as well as the 360-degree studio setup.

From The Wall Street Journal

This gives scientists a brief chance to measure how the more stable elements decay, then deduce the properties of the original particle.

From Barron's

As one might deduce, “Young Sherlock” is fun enough, though for reasons visual rather than strictly narrative.

From The Wall Street Journal

His tales of Sherlock Holmes didn’t always present enough clues for readers—who could hardly be expected to compete with the brilliant detective—to deduce the solution on their own.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is fair, then, to deduce we are likely to be at the beginning of the end of his trophy-laden tenure in the blue half of Manchester.

From BBC

Related Words

• deduct
• glean
• infer
• presuppose
• surmise