Induce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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induce

[ɪnˈdjuːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to cause or bring about

To induce means to cause something to happen or bring about a particular result. It is often used in the context of persuading someone to do something or influencing a particular outcome.

Synonyms

encourage, influence, persuade, prompt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
induce

Typically used in formal contexts or medical situations to mean causing something to happen or leading someone to do something by giving them a reason or incentive.

  • The doctor decided to induce labor to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
  • The advertisement induced people to buy the new product.
persuade

Used when talking about convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. It often implies some effort and persistence.

  • He persuaded his friend to join the gym.
  • The lawyer managed to persuade the jury of his client's innocence.
prompt

Used in both formal and informal contexts to mean causing someone to take action or to bring about an action quickly or immediately.

  • The unexpected question prompted a quick response.
  • The news report prompted widespread concern among the public.
influence

Used when referring to the ability to affect someone's feelings, thoughts, or behavior. It can have either neutral or subtle negative connotation depending on the context.

  • Her speech had a strong influence on the audience.
  • Peer pressure can influence teenagers to make poor decisions.
encourage

Used in both formal and informal contexts to mean giving support, confidence, or hope to someone. It implies positive reinforcement.

  • Teachers should encourage students to ask questions.
  • The coach's pep talk encouraged the team to play their best.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to induce her to come with him by offering her a job.
  • The doctor induced labor in the pregnant woman.
  • She was induced to join the club by her friends.
  • The company induced customers to buy their products with special discounts.
  • The politician tried to induce voters to support him with his speeches.
Context #2 | Noun

none

The word 'induce' can also be used as a noun in the field of logic, meaning a statement that follows from a given set of statements.

Synonyms

consequence, deduction, inference.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
induce

Use 'induce' when you want to talk about causing something to happen, usually intentionally or as a result of an action. It often has a scientific or medical connotation.

  • The doctor decided to induce labor to ensure the baby's safety.
  • Certain chemicals in the environment can induce changes in animal behavior.
consequence

Use 'consequence' when referring to the result or effect of an action or condition. It is often used in discussions about cause and effect, especially when the result is significant or important.

  • The consequence of not studying was a failing grade on the test.
  • His poor diet had serious health consequences over time.
deduction

Use 'deduction' when you are talking about the process of reasoning from general principles to reach a specific conclusion. It is commonly used in logic, mathematics, and detective work.

  • Sherlock Holmes made a deduction about the identity of the thief based on the clues.
  • Through deduction, we can determine that the sum of the angles in a triangle is always 180 degrees.
inference

Use 'inference' when you are referring to a conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements. It is often used in discussions about data analysis, reading comprehension, and scientific research.

  • Based on the data, she made an inference that the experiment was successful.
  • You can make an inference about the author's intention by analyzing the text.

Examples of usage

  • The mathematician presented an induce based on the axioms of the theory.
  • The philosopher discussed the concept of induce in his lecture.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • In obstetrics, 'inducing labor' occurs when medical professionals stimulate contractions to help deliver a baby safely.
  • Certain medications can induce sleep, which helps treat insomnia by encouraging restful slumber.
  • Induction can refer to the process of initiating physiological responses, like the induction of anesthesia before surgery.

Psychology

  • In psychology, certain cues can induce emotional responses, helping people remember feelings associated with specific memories.
  • The placebo effect can induce a real change in a person's health through belief rather than through medication.
  • Behavioral conditioning can induce specific responses in individuals through reinforcement and punishment strategies.

Science

  • In physics, 'induction' refers to the process by which an electric current can be generated in a conductor by its exposure to a magnetic field.
  • Chemical reactions can be induced under certain conditions, leading to the formation of new substances.
  • Inducing mutations in bacteria can help scientists understand genetic functions and develop antibiotics.

Literature

  • Authors often use foreshadowing to induce suspense, making readers eager to uncover the mystery of the plot.
  • In poetry, imagery can induce emotions, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind that resonate with personal experiences.
  • Narrative techniques can induce empathy for a character, allowing readers to connect deeply with their struggles.

Origin of 'induce'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'induce' comes from the Latin word 'inducere', meaning 'to lead in' or 'to bring in'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to the act of influencing or leading someone.
  • Related words include 'deduce' and 'produce', both of which share the same root and suggest a form of 'leading out' or 'bringing forth'.

The word 'induce' comes from the Latin word 'inducere', which means 'to lead in, bring in'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century. Over the years, 'induce' has evolved to encompass a range of meanings related to causing or bringing about certain effects or outcomes.


See also: inducement, inducer, inducing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,529, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.