adj
deductive
dih-DUHK-tihv
adj
1
Relating to or based on deduction — reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion.
"Sherlock Holmes was famous for his deductive reasoning."
How to Use Deductive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes reasoning that moves from general rules down to a specific, certain conclusion.
Common mistake
Deductive reasoning goes from general to specific with certainty; inductive reasoning goes from specific observations to a general (probable) conclusion.
Easily confused with
inductive
Common pairings
deductive reasoning
deductive logic
deductive method
Word Forms
more deductive comparative, most deductive superlative
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Sherlock Holmes was famous for his _____ reasoning.
Etymology
Formed from deduct + -ive.