induction
ihn-DUHK-shuhn
Induction (noun) means a formal process of introducing someone into a new role, organization, or position. Example: “Her induction into the Hall of Fame took place last spring.”
noun
1
A formal process of introducing someone into a new role, organization, or position.
"Her induction into the Hall of Fame took place last spring."
"The new bishop's induction was attended by hundreds of local people."
"After his induction as club president, he gave a short speech to the members."
2
The process of introducing a new employee or student to a place of work or study.
"All new staff attend an induction on their first day."
"The school runs a week-long induction for pupils joining in September."
"During my induction, a colleague showed me where everything was kept and who to ask for help."
3
A method of reasoning that draws general conclusions from specific observations.
"Scientists rely heavily on induction when forming new theories from experimental data."
4
The generation of an electric current by a changing magnetic field.
"The stove uses induction to heat pans directly."
"In a transformer, induction passes energy from one coil of wire to another."
"The bicycle light charges itself through induction as the wheel turns past a magnet."
5
A method of mathematical proof that establishes a base case and then shows each case implies the next.
"The theorem was proved using mathematical induction."
"Our maths teacher showed us how induction proves a rule works for every whole number."
"To use induction, first check the rule for the number one, then show it carries on."
How to use induction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFormally bringing someone or something in — a person into a role, a current from a magnetic field, or a conclusion from evidence.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "deduction," which reasons from general rules to a specific conclusion — induction goes the other way, from specific cases to a general rule.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
induction ceremony
induction stove
mathematical induction
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Word forms
- Plural
- inductions
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ into the Hall of Fame took place last spring.
Etymology
From Old French induction, from Latin inductio, related to inducere ("to lead in").
Synonyms
View more →
initiation
orientation
inauguration
generalisation
evocation
trigger
inductance
generalization
elicitation
installation
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for induction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for induction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “induction” mean?
The word “induction” means a formal process of introducing someone into a new role, organization, or position. In plain terms, formally bringing someone or something in — a person into a role, a current from a magnetic field, or a conclusion from evidence.
How do you pronounce “induction”?
“Induction” is pronounced ihn-DUHK-shuhn (/ɪnˈdʌkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “induction” in a sentence?
Here is “induction” used in a sentence: “Her induction into the Hall of Fame took place last spring.”
What part of speech is “induction”?
“Induction” is a noun.
Where does the word “induction” come from?
The word “induction” comes from Latin. From Old French induction, from Latin inductio, related to inducere ("to lead in").
Is “induction” a common word?
“Induction” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “induction” have?
“Induction” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal process of introducing someone into a new role, organization, or position.
What is the difference between induction and deduction?
Induction is a method of reasoning that draws general conclusions from specific observations, while deduction works the opposite way, applying a general rule to reach a specific conclusion. Inductive conclusions are probable rather than certain, whereas valid deductive conclusions follow necessarily.
What is mathematical induction used for?
Mathematical induction is a method of proof that establishes a base case and then shows that each case implies the next, allowing a statement to be proven true for all natural numbers. It is a distinct sense from the reasoning method used in everyday logic.
What does induction mean in an electrical or workplace context?
In physics, induction refers to the generation of an electric current by a changing magnetic field. In a workplace or organizational setting, induction instead means the formal process of introducing a new employee or member to their role.
