deduction

From Middle French déduction, from Latin deductio

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˈdʌkʃən/, /dɪˈdʊkʃən/
• (US) IPA^(key): /dɪˈdʌkʃən/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʌkʃən

deduction (countable and uncountable, plural deductions)

1. That which is deducted; that which is subtracted or removed
2. A sum that can be removed from tax calculations; something that is written off

   You might want to donate the old junk and just take the deduction.

3. (logic) A process of reasoning that moves from the general to the specific, in which a conclusion follows necessarily from the premises presented, so that the conclusion cannot be false if the premises are true.

   Antonym: induction

4. A conclusion; that which is deduced, concluded or figured out

   He arrived at the deduction that the butler didn't do it.

5. The ability or skill to deduce or figure out; the power of reason

   Through his powers of deduction, he realized that the plan would never work.

• (that which is subtracted or removed): extract, reduction; See also Thesaurus:decrement