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

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 • Mar. 17, 2026

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 • Feb. 20, 2026

The host was primed, based on his own observations, to deduce that something highly suspicious was going on.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2025

Some of the language used in the advert, such as "crafted for calm" and "simply help you feel calm" would lead consumers to deduce that Trip drinks reduce anxiety, the ASA ruling said.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

We can deduce many of the answers by examining the well-established sequence in which various crops developed in Southwest Asia’s Fertile Crescent.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• deduct
• glean
• infer
• presuppose
• surmise