Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Deductive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍
Add to dictionary

deductive

[dɪˈdʌktɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

reasoning

Characterized by the process of reasoning from general principles to specific instances; involving logical inference or deduction.

Synonyms

logical, rational, reasoned.

Examples of usage

  • The detective used deductive reasoning to solve the mystery.
  • She made a deductive argument based on the evidence presented.
Context #2 | Adjective

philosophy

Relating to or based on deduction in logic; proceeding from the general to the particular.

Synonyms

deducible, derivable, inferable.

Examples of usage

  • The philosopher's deductive approach to ethics started with first principles.
  • In deductive reasoning, if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Logic

  • In logic, deductive reasoning guarantees the truth of the conclusion as long as the premises are true.
  • The classic example of deductive reasoning is: 'All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.'
  • It contrasts with inductive reasoning, which makes generalized conclusions from specific instances.

Science

  • Scientists often use deductive reasoning to form hypotheses that can be tested through experiments.
  • In chemistry, the understanding of chemical reactions includes deductive reasoning to predict products from reactants.
  • Medical diagnoses often employ deductive methods where symptoms lead to a conclusion about an illness.

Education

  • Deductive teaching methods involve presenting a general rule followed by specific examples to help students learn.
  • Many educational systems incorporate deductive reasoning skills into critical thinking and problem-solving curricula.
  • In mathematics, deductive reasoning is fundamental in proving theorems based on previously established axioms.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Aristotle were early proponents of deductive reasoning in their works, shaping the field of logic.
  • In philosophy, deductive arguments are used to draw necessary conclusions from general principles, influencing moral and ethical discussions.
  • The study of deductive reasoning forms a significant part of epistemology, the study of knowledge and belief systems.

Origin of 'deductive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'deductive' comes from the Latin word 'deducere', which means 'to lead down' or 'to draw from'.
  • The prefix 'de-' signifies removal, while 'duct' refers to leading, which relates to how you lead to a conclusion.
  • It originally referred to the process of drawing conclusions from general principles in philosophical texts.

The word 'deductive' comes from the Latin word 'deductivus', which is derived from the verb 'deducere' meaning 'to lead down or away'. The use of deductive reasoning can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato, who formalized the process of logical inference. Deductive reasoning plays a crucial role in fields such as mathematics, philosophy, and science.

See also: deductible, deduction.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,338, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.