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

The external unit powers the system with inductive charging similar to wireless phone chargers. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025

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

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