deductive

adjective

de·duc·tive | \di-ˈdək-tiv,

dē-\

Definition of deductive

1 : of, relating to, or provable by deriving conclusions by reasoning : of, relating to, or provable by deduction (see deduction sense 2a) deductive principles

2 : employing deduction in reasoning conclusions based on deductive logic

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Examples of deductive in a Sentence

a conclusion based on deductive reasoning using deductive reasoning we must conclude that since everyone eventually dies, sooner or later it's going to be our turn

Recent Examples on the Web

It is well known that Conan Doyle borrowed Bell’s deductive genius (and his profile) for his fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. — The Economist, "When Arthur Conan Doyle cried “J’Accuse…!”," 7 July 2018 The discussion will be shaped around the hypothesis that the deductive process used to solve difficult riddles, problems, mysteries, or crimes is rendered possible only by altered states of consciousness, even borderline insanity. — Courant Community, "Community News For The Valley Edition," 3 Apr. 2018 But because these visual responses remain stable throughout development until adulthood, this type of deductive reasoning may be a primitive and essential facet of the human mind. — Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, "Although they can’t tell us about it, infants can reason," 19 Mar. 2018 Transcendentalists like Emerson were searching for unity in nature, but resisted what seemed to them the blinkered reliance on deductive reasoning and empirical research enforced by encroaching science. — Andrea Wulf, The Atlantic, "Walden Wasn’t Thoreau’s Masterpiece," 6 Oct. 2017 But if deductive reasoning is not enough to sway you, there's also the fact that a Republican is occasionally impolitic enough to admit the chicanery outright. — Author: Leonard Pitts, Alaska Dispatch News, "Bogus voter fraud campaign targets blacks," 23 July 2017 Via deductive reasoning, assume St. Augustine will give offenses fits. — Don Norcross, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Western League football preview," 15 Aug. 2017 Hogan was practicing her deductive tasting skills, also known as blind tasting, in preparation for the Court of Master Sommeliers’ introductory examination. — Anne Brockhoff, kansascity.com, "Education by the glass: Weekly gathering teaches the fine points of beverages," 2 May 2017 In cases of viruses that are aimed at specific targets, or serial virus writers, deductive profiling can be useful in tracking down the virus creator, Gordon said. — Michelle Delio, WIRED, "A Worm Writer’s Worst Friend," 29 May 2001

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