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deductively

deductively

1 6.7
Using general rules to find a specific answer
  • adverb
  • /dɪˈdʌktɪvli/
translation icon : deductivamente
  • The detective used the clues to reason deductively and solve the mystery.
  • deductively valid
  • deductively valid argument
  • deductively analyzed

It's it's arcane, it's our archive first principles and then just deductively reasons out from there.

Examples

  • Transcript coding started deductively, based on the interview topics.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Your argument is not an argument; it is neither deductively valid nor inductively forceful, and definitely not sound.

    Blog text (24)
  • The study of economics begins deductively with the recognition of certain key principles about human behavior.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Fourth and finally, the theory should be deductively derived before it is empirically tested against the historical record.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Knowledge can readily be acquired in two generic ways: inductively and deductively, as was mentioned earlier under teaching strategy.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The student teacher may assist pupils inductively or deductively to perceive purpose in learning.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Categories for coding course units were generated deductively from the literature review and inductively through an examination of course units.

    Academic text (1997)
  • In Howard Gardner's words, it entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively, and think logically.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Knowledge acquired deductively is attained in a didactic manner manifesting flawless internal consistency.

    Academic text (1990)
  • In mathematics, we often prove theorems deductively by applying existing rules.

Synonyms

logically
vsdeductively
70 3.7

You think clearly and sensibly to reach a reasonable answer

uses general rules to reach specific conclusions
analytically
vsdeductively
4 5.8

In a careful, logical way to study and solve problems

applies general rules to draw specific conclusions

Surface Forms

deductively positive

Morphology

deductively = deductive (transparent) = deduct + ive + ly

Formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'deductive' (itself transparently built from 'deduct' + '-ive' in this lexical item), so learners knowing 'deductive'/'deduction' can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Deductively comes from Latin parts de- ('down') and ducere ('to lead'), the same root you see in English words like conduct. So to think deductively is to lead your thoughts down from general rules to one specific conclusion.