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deductive

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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 2a)
  • deductive principles
2 :employing deduction in reasoning
  • conclusions based on deductive logic
—

deductively

adverb

See deductive defined for English-language learners

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Examples of deductive in a Sentence

  1. a conclusion based on deductive reasoning

  2. 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

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

deductive Synonyms

Synonyms
a priori, deducible, derivable, inferable (also inferrible), inferential, reasoned
Antonyms
nondeductive
Related Words
conjectural, hypothetical, purported, supposed, suppositional; academic (also academical), speculative, theoretical (also theoretic); logical, rational
Near Antonyms
inducible, inductive; absolute, categorical (also categoric), definite, explicit, express; instinctive, intuitive; illogical, irrational

DEDUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

deductive

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adjective

Definition of deductive for English Language Learners

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

Learn More about deductive

  1. See words that rhyme with deductive Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deductive Britannica English: Translation of deductive for Arabic speakers

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Examples: deductive in a Sentence