deductive

[ dih-duhk-tiv ]

adjective

1. based on deduction from accepted premises, as in deductive argument deductive reasoning

deductive

/ dɪˈdʌktɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to deduction

   deductive reasoning

Confusables Note

Deductive and inductive refer to two distinct logical processes. Deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion drawn from a set of premises contains no more information than the premises taken collectively. All dogs are animals; this is a dog; therefore, this is an animal: The truth of the conclusion is dependent only on the method. All men are apes; this is a man; therefore, this is an ape: The conclusion is logically true, although the premise is absurd. Inductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is proposed that contains more information than the observations or experience on which it is based. Every crow ever seen was black; all crows are black: The truth of the conclusion is verifiable only in terms of future experience and certainty is attainable only if all possible instances have been examined. In the example, there is no certainty that a white crow will not be found tomorrow, although past experience would make such an occurrence seem unlikely.

Derived Forms

• deˈductively, adverb

Other Words From

• de·ductive·ly adverb
• nonde·ductive adjective
• nonde·ductive·ly adverb
• unde·ductive adjective
• unde·ductive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of deductive¹

First recorded in 1640–50, deductive is from the Latin word dēductīvus derivative. See deduct, -ive

Example Sentences

In reading my notes from the summer of ’21, I encountered the facts of a case which exemplifies the particular deductive skills of my friend Sherlock Holmes.

From Washington Post

But as the emphasis shifted from students parroting proofs to forming their own, geometry remained exalted for its power to cultivate deductive reasoning, to toughen and refine the mind.

From New York Times

"But the vagueness of the allegations so far leads only to questions and a confusing deductive trail."

From Salon

“I was simply using deductive reasoning based on what he told me because I had never encountered it before,” Bastian said.

From The Guardian

In a stenciled painting from 1989, the drippy black letters of the word “SPOKESMAN” are arranged three by three, filling the white aluminum background with the same deductive logic as Frank Stella’s early stripes.

From New York Times