deductive

adjective de·duc·tive \ di-ˈdək-tiv , dē- \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of deductive

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

deductive principles

2 : employing deduction in reasoning

conclusions based on deductive logic

—

deductively

adverb

See deductive defined for English-language learners

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 of deductive from the Web

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

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deductive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of deductive

see deduct

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1665

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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DEDUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

deductive

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Definition of deductive for English Language Learners

: using logic or reason to form a conclusion or opinion about something

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