Deduct Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deduct

[dɪˈdʌkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

finance

To subtract (a number or amount) from another, especially from a total.

Synonyms

remove, subtract, take away.

Examples of usage

  • They will deduct $20 from your paycheck for taxes.
  • The bank deducted the service fee from my account balance.
Context #2 | Verb

education

To take away or subtract (a part, amount, or quantity) from a larger whole, especially for educational purposes.

Synonyms

reduce, subtract, take away.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher deducted points for incorrect answers on the exam.
  • The final grade was based on deducting points for late submissions.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Finance

  • In taxation, certain expenses can be deducted from your income, lowering the total tax owed.
  • Many businesses deduct costs like salaries and supplies from their revenue to determine profit.
  • The ability to deduct certain expenses often influences how individuals and companies manage their finances.

Mathematics

  • In math, subtraction is often referred to as deductive action, where one number is deducted from another.
  • It's an essential operation that helps in calculating deficits, such as losses or reductions.
  • The concept of deducting is fundamental in problem-solving, leading students to understand operations better.

Psychology

  • Deductive reasoning helps individuals arrive at logical conclusions based on premises.
  • In cognitive psychology, understanding how people deduct information helps us learn about decision-making processes.
  • Some studies suggest that people may find it easier to deduct clear, straightforward solutions rather than complex ones.

Everyday Life

  • When reviewing a bill, you may deduct any promotional discounts from the total amount owed.
  • In cooking, if you accidentally spill flour, you might deduct that quantity from your recipe’s total.
  • Many sports allow players to deduct points for fouls or penalties, affecting their score.

Origin of 'deduct'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'deductio', meaning 'to lead down or away'.
  • It has been used in English since the 14th century, often in the context of finance and mathematics.
  • The prefix 'de-' suggests removal, while 'duct' means to lead or pull.

The word 'deduct' comes from the Latin word 'deducere', which means 'to lead down' or 'bring away'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Originally used in a more general sense of 'derive or deduce', its modern financial and educational meanings developed over time.


See also: deduce, deducible.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,169, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.