inductive

adjective in·duc·tive \ in-ˈdək-tiv \

Definition of inductive

1 :leading on :inducing

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

inductive reasoning

3 :of or relating to inductance or electrical induction

4 :introductory

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

—

inductively

adverb

See inductive defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of inductive from the Web

Its lithium-ion battery can be recharged via inductive wireless charging and should deliver up to 31 miles of electric range as measured by the forgiving European certification methodology.

— eric tingwall, Car and Driver, "2019 Audi A8: Flagship Floats on Active Suspension," 12 July 2017
Gruber writes that his sources believe inductive—that is, sans wires—charging for the next iPhone will arrive later than the device's launch and with its own price tag.

— david z. morris, Fortune, "iPhone 8 May Not Have Wireless Charging on Release Day," 9 July 2017
This form of internet sleuthing is little more than garden-variety inductive fallacy: While the underlying premise is true, the conclusion could well be false.

— colin dickey, New Republic, "Karl Rove panicked on live television," 8 June 2017
Instead, only classes ensuring that students are well trained in writing, speaking, computing and inductive thinking will give assuredness of achievement — and, with it, self-confidence.

— victor davis hanson, The Mercury News, "Hanson: Universities have lost respect of most Americans," 4 May 2017
The Magic Feet is an inductive charger for your Mac peripherals.

— charlie sorrel, WIRED, "Magic Feet Charges Keyboards, Mice Wirelessly," 20 Jan. 2012

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

First Known Use of inductive

15th century

Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, postulate, syllogism

INDUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

inductive

adjective

Definition of inductive for English Language Learners

: using particular examples to reach a general conclusion about something

Medical Dictionary

inductive

adjective in·duc·tive \ in-ˈdək-tiv \

medical Definition of inductive

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

Learn More about inductive

See words that rhyme with inductive Spanish Central: Translation of inductive Nglish: Translation of inductive for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of inductive for Arabic speakers

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inductive

Definition of inductive

inductively

Recent Examples of inductive from the Web

First Known Use of inductive

Other Logic Terms

INDUCTIVE Defined for English Language Learners

inductive

Definition of inductive for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

inductive

medical Definition of inductive

inductively

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