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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

deduce

IPA:

How to pronounce deduce (audio)

Dictionary definition of deduce

To arrive at a conclusion or inference based on logical reasoning and available evidence.
"She was able to deduce the answer from the clues given in the puzzle."

Detailed meaning of deduce

When someone deduces something, they use a combination of observation, analysis, and intuition to make an educated guess about a particular situation or problem. The process of deducing can involve identifying patterns, analyzing data, and drawing logical conclusions based on the information at hand. Deduction is often contrasted with induction, which involves drawing generalizations based on specific observations or examples. Deduction is commonly used in scientific, mathematical, and legal contexts, as well as in everyday problem-solving and decision-making. The ability to deduce effectively is a valuable skill that can help individuals make informed choices and solve complex problems, as it allows them to analyze information objectively and arrive at accurate conclusions.

Example sentences containing deduce

1. The detective will deduce the suspect’s motive by analyzing the evidence.
2. From the fossils, paleontologists can deduce how dinosaurs lived.
3. The doctor will deduce the cause of the symptoms after some tests.
4. You can deduce the meaning of a word by examining its context.
5. By observing the sky, ancient astronomers could deduce patterns and movements of celestial bodies.
6. The scientist will deduce a hypothesis based on the data collected.

History and etymology of deduce

The verb 'deduce' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'deducere,' a combination of 'de' (meaning 'down from') and 'ducere' (meaning 'to lead'). In its original Latin sense, 'deducere' meant 'to lead down' or 'to bring out.' As the word transitioned into Middle English and later into modern English, it retained the sense of leading, but in an intellectual context. 'Deduce' came to signify the act of arriving at a conclusion or inference by logically leading one's thoughts down from a set of premises or available evidence. Thus, the etymology of 'deduce' underscores the idea that the process of deduction involves leading one's reasoning down a logical path to reach a reasoned and inferred conclusion.

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Further usage examples of deduce

1. From your expression, I can deduce that you are not pleased with the news.
2. By comparing different sources, historians can deduce what likely happened in the past.
3. The jury will deduce if the defendant is guilty based on the evidence presented.
4. With the clues provided, the reader can deduce the solution before the detective reveals it.
5. Market analysts will deduce future trends based on current market data.
6. The chemist will deduce the properties of the new compound through various experiments.
7. Through a series of questions, the psychologist will deduce the patient’s state of mind.
8. She will deduce the ingredients used in the dish by tasting it carefully.
9. The coach will deduce the other team’s strategy by watching their previous games.
10. The software can deduce errors in the code and suggest fixes.
11. By analyzing the language, a linguist can deduce the origin of a text.
12. With enough observation, a naturalist can deduce the behavior patterns of animals.
13. The archaeologist will deduce the purpose of ancient tools by studying their shapes and materials.
14. From the financial statements, the auditor can deduce the overall health of the company.

GRE 5 (Graduate Record Examination), Analysis and Reasoning, Clarity and Candor, Comprehension and Understanding, Decision and Discretion, Judgement and Decision-Making

ascertain,consider,deduct,derive,extrapolate,gather,glean,judge,surmise

infer, guess, speculate, assume

eb68db_f2031680ba3e4d689328f88b7c7a8037.mp3

reason

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