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deduction
noun
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between deduction and induction?
Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is making an inference based on widely accepted facts or premises. If a beverage is defined as "drinkable through a straw," one could use deduction to determine soup to be a beverage. Inductive reasoning, or induction, is making an inference based on an observation, often of a sample. You can induce that the soup is tasty if you observe all of your friends consuming it. Read more on the difference between deduction and induction
What is the difference between abduction and deduction?
Abductive reasoning, or abduction, is making a probable conclusion from what you know. If you see an abandoned bowl of hot soup on the table, you can use abduction to conclude the owner of the soup is likely returning soon. Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is making an inference based on widely accepted facts or premises. If a meal is described as "eaten with a fork" you may use deduction to determine that it is solid food, rather than, say, a bowl of soup.
What is the difference between deduction and adduction?
Adduction is "the action of drawing (something, such as a limb) toward or past the median axis of the body," and "the bringing together of similar parts." Deduction may be "an act of taking away," or "something that is subtracted." Both words may be traced in part to the Latin dūcere, meaning "to lead."
Examples of deduction in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deduction.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Deduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deduction. Accessed 21 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
deduction
nounLegal Definition
deduction
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on deduction
Nglish: Translation of deduction for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of deduction for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deduction
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