deduction

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An amount that is taken away from a total.

   After tax deductions, his monthly pay was much smaller.

2. 2
   noun

   A conclusion you reach by reasoning from the facts.

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

3. 3
   noun

   The process of reasoning from general principles to a specific conclusion.

   Detectives rely on careful deduction to solve their cases.

From Middle French déduction, from Latin deductio. Equivalent to deduct + -ion or deduce + -tion.

Topics