Deduce

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈdjuːs/, IPA: /dɪˈdÊ’uːs/
• US IPA: /dɪˈduːs/
• Rhymes: -uːs

Origin

From Latin deducere, "lead from or concerning", from de-, "of" or "concerning", ducere, "lead".

Full definition of deduce

Verb

1. (transitive) To reach a conclusion by applying rules of logic to given premises.
• Alexander PopeO goddess, say, shall I deduce my rhymes
  From the dire nation in its early times?
• John LockeReasoning is nothing but the faculty of deducing unknown truths from principles already known.
• Sir Walter ScottSee what regard will be paid to the pedigree which deduces your descent from kings and conquerors.
2. (obsolete) To take away; to deduct; to subtract.to deduce a part from the whole
3. (obsolete, Latinism) To lead forth.
• SeldenHe should hither deduce a colony.

Usage notes

For example, from the premises "all good people believe in the tooth fairy" and "Mary does not believe in the tooth fairy", we deduce the conclusion "Mary is not a good person". This particular form of deduction is called a syllogism. Note that in this case we reach a false conclusion by correct deduction from a false premise.

Antonyms

• (reach a conclusion by applying rules of logic) induce

Synonyms

• (reach a conclusion by applying rules of logic) conclude, infer

Related terms

Anagrams

• deuced
• educed