rhizoverbBeta
DictionarydeduceReasoning to a conclusion
verb

deduce

dih-DOOSS/dɪˈduːs/

To reach a conclusion by reasoning from evidence or principles.

The woman deduces that the flour-covered cat left the paw prints on the counter.

A woman infers which pet disturbed spilled flour by comparing the small floury paw prints on a kitchen counter with a flour-covered cat, while a clean dog provides an incompatible alternative.
Etymology
deLatindown
+duceLatinlead

“Lead down” developed into “derive” and, in logical use, “infer.” To deduce is thus to draw a conclusion from something already known.

In context

U.S. Naval War College91:16
from those principles we can deduce the strategy we need when or if those challenges come if the chinese are going to do this
CSF 2013 | Panel Discussion: 21st Century Sea Power and Global Maritime Leadership

More examples

  • We deduced from the receipt that the repairs cost $200.
  • Can you deduce the next number in this pattern?
  • Using basic geometry, students deduce the missing angle.

Forms

deduce · deduces · deduced · deducing

deduction noun — A conclusion reached through logical reasoning.

deductive adjective — Using general principles to reach specific conclusions.

Similar words

infer
Often suggests a likely explanation rather than logical certainty.
conclude
Emphasizes the final judgment rather than the reasoning process.