deduce
dih-JOOS
Deduce (verb) means to work out a conclusion through logical reasoning based on known facts or evidence. Example: “From the muddy footprints, the detective deduced that the intruder had come through the garden.”
verb
1
To work out a conclusion through logical reasoning based on known facts or evidence.
"From the muddy footprints, the detective deduced that the intruder had come through the garden."
"Scientists deduced the planet's composition from its light spectrum."
How to use deduce
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo figure something out logically from clues or evidence already known.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "deduct," which means to subtract or take away, usually money.
Common pairings
deduce from evidence
able to deduce
logically deduce
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- deduces
- Past tense
- deduced
- Archaic forms
- deducest, deducedst, deduceth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
From the muddy footprints, the detective _____ that the intruder had come through the garden.
Etymology
From Latin dēdūcere ("to lead away, derive"), from dē- ("from, away") + dūcere ("to lead").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for deduce
See all rhymes for deduce →Frequently asked questions
What does “deduce” mean?
The word “deduce” means to work out a conclusion through logical reasoning based on known facts or evidence. In plain terms, to figure something out logically from clues or evidence already known.
How do you pronounce “deduce”?
“Deduce” is pronounced dih-JOOS (/dɪˈdus/ in IPA).
How do you use “deduce” in a sentence?
Here is “deduce” used in a sentence: “From the muddy footprints, the detective deduced that the intruder had come through the garden.”
What part of speech is “deduce”?
“Deduce” is a verb.
Where does the word “deduce” come from?
The word “deduce” comes from Latin. From Latin dēdūcere ("to lead away, derive"), from dē- ("from, away") + dūcere ("to lead").
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