deductive
Relating to reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions; logically conclusive
Examples
In a meeting
“Using deductive reasoning, we can conclude that this trend will affect all regional offices.”
Over coffee
“It's basic deductive logic: if all birds have feathers, and this is a bird, it has feathers.”
Why this word
logical
deductive specifies reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions, while logical is broader about any sound reasoning
rational
deductive describes a specific method of inference from premises to conclusion, while rational just means based on reason
analytical
deductive refers to top-down logical inference, while analytical broadly means breaking down and examining components
Usage tip
Use to describe top-down logical reasoning; contrasts with inductive (bottom-up) reasoning
Etymology
Latin: deductivus, from deducere (to lead down), from de- (down) + ducere (to lead)
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Related words
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based
dogma
A principle or belief accepted without question