de·duc·tive

[dih-duhk-tiv]
adjective
based on deduction from accepted premises, as in deductive argument; deductive reasoning.

Origin:
1640–50; < Latin dēductīvus derivative. See deduct, -ive

de·duc·tive·ly, adverb
non·de·duc·tive, adjective
non·de·duc·tive·ly, adverb
un·de·duc·tive, adjective
un·de·duc·tive·ly, adverb


Deductive and inductive refer to two distinct logical processes. Deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion drawn from a set of premises contains no more information than the premises taken collectively. All dogs are animals; this is a dog; therefore, this is an animal: The truth of the conclusion is dependent only on the method. All men are apes; this is a man; therefore, this is an ape: The conclusion is logically true, although the premise is absurd. Inductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is proposed that contains more information than the observations or experience on which it is based. Every crow ever seen was black; all crows are black: The truth of the conclusion is verifiable only in terms of future experience and certainty is attainable only if all possible instances have been examined. In the example, there is no certainty that a white crow will not be found tomorrow, although past experience would make such an occurrence seem unlikely.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To deductive reasoning
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Deductive reasoning is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
Collins
World English Dictionary
deductive (dɪˈdʌktɪv) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adj
of or relating to deduction: deductive reasoning
 
deductively
 
adv

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

deductive
1650s, from L. deductivus, from deduct-, pp. stem of deducere "to deduce" (see deduce).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Distinguish between inductive and deductive reasoning in an argument.
The deductive reasoning required is equally sharp, if not sharper.
Given that medicine generally uses deductive reasoning to arrive at diagnoses
  in complex cases.
If my deductive reasoning holds true, the owner of the truck thinks that
  communists are bad people.
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