deduce

[ dih-doos, -dyoos ]

verb (used with object)

, de·duced, de·duc·ing.

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.

deduce

/ 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

Derived Forms

• deˌduciˈbility, noun
• deˈducible, adjective

Other Words From

• de·duci·ble adjective
• de·duci·bili·ty de·duci·ble·ness noun
• de·duci·bly adverb
• nonde·duci·ble adjective
• subde·duci·ble adjective
• unde·duced adjective
• unde·duci·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deduce¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deduce¹

C15: from Latin dēdūcere to lead away, derive, from de- + dūcere to lead

Example Sentences

We like to look at a candidate's campaign plan in the final stretch before an election and try to deduce how they're thinking about their chances of winning.

From Salon

Considering earlier observations, astronomers deduce that disks around very low-mass stars evolve differently than those around more massive stars such as the Sun, with potential implications for finding rocky planets with Earth-like characteristics there.

From Science Daily

The 12 jurors were left to deduce these matters on their own.

From New York Times

Researchers can deduce the behavior of a molecule by solving its Schrödinger equation, which in part describes the probabilistic, wavelike behavior of electrons and their interactions with atomic nuclei, based on inputs such as electron energy levels and chemical bond lengths.

From Science Magazine

But knowing a bit of history about the department, they can deduce some information.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• deduct
• glean
• infer
• presuppose
• surmise