deductive
UK: dɪˈdʌktɪv | US: dɪˈdʌktɪv
adj. relating to or using logical deduction
adj. involving reasoning from general principles to specific cases
deductive = deduct<lead away> + ive<adjective suffix>
- deduct (from Latin deducere, "to lead down or away"):
- de<down/away> + ducere<to lead>
- ive (Latin -ivus): forms adjectives meaning "pertaining to"
Etymology Origin:
The word deductive traces back to Latin deducere, combining de- (indicating direction "down" or "away") and ducere ("to lead"). It originally described the act of drawing conclusions by "leading away" from general premises to specific instances. The suffix -ive (from Latin -ivus) turns the verb into an adjective, solidifying its modern meaning in logic and reasoning.
Deductive reasoning is essential in solving mathematical proofs.
Sherlock Holmes famously used deductive methods to solve crimes.
The argument followed a clear deductive structure.
Philosophers distinguish deductive from inductive reasoning.
Her deductive skills made her an excellent analyst.