inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or employing mathematical or logical induction

inductive reasoning

2

: of or relating to inductance or electrical induction

3

: introductory

4

: involving the action of an embryological organizer : tending to produce induction

5

: leading on : inducing

inductively adverb

Examples of inductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This external transceiver powers the system through inductive charging, not unlike wireless smartphone charging. —New Atlas, 21 Nov. 2025

Magnetic inductive systems – tested in France, Sweden, and the US – have proven scalable for highways and urban corridors. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2025

Teach the difference between deductive, inductive and abductive thinking and the proper use of all three. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Porsche Infotainment system screen view of inductive charging pull-up process. —Eileen Falkenberg-Hull, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Rhymes for inductive

• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Kids Definition

inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv 

: relating to, using, or based on induction

inductively adverb

Medical Definition

inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv 

1

: of or relating to inductance or electrical induction

2

: involving the action of an embryological inductor : tending to produce induction

the inductive effect of chordamesoderm

inductive reactions in the embryo

inductively adverb