adj
deductive
dih-DUHK-tihv
Deductive (adj) means relating to or based on deduction — reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion. Example: “Sherlock Holmes was famous for his deductive reasoning.”
adj
1
Relating to or based on deduction — reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion.
"Sherlock Holmes was famous for his deductive reasoning."
"deductive system of semantics"
How to use deductive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes reasoning that moves from general rules down to a specific, certain conclusion.
Common mistake
Deductive reasoning goes from general to specific with certainty; inductive reasoning goes from specific observations to a general (probable) conclusion.
Easily confused with
inductive
Common pairings
deductive reasoning
deductive logic
deductive method
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more deductive
- Superlative
- most deductive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sherlock Holmes was famous for his _____ reasoning.
Etymology
Formed from deduct + -ive.
Antonyms
inductive
Rhymes for deductive
See all rhymes for deductive →Frequently asked questions
What does “deductive” mean?
The word “deductive” means relating to or based on deduction — reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion. In plain terms, describes reasoning that moves from general rules down to a specific, certain conclusion.
How do you pronounce “deductive”?
“Deductive” is pronounced dih-DUHK-tihv (/dɪˈdʌktɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “deductive” in a sentence?
Here is “deductive” used in a sentence: “Sherlock Holmes was famous for his deductive reasoning.”
What part of speech is “deductive”?
“Deductive” is an adjective.
