Induction vs Deduction: What’s the Difference?
The difference at a glance
Induction reasons *upward* from specific observations to a general principle — the scientific method, always provisional. Deduction applies a general rule *downward* to reach a specific conclusion — the logical method, certain if the premise holds. Sherlock Holmes claimed to use deduction but usually used induction: he observed particulars and built a theory. Science runs on induction; mathematics runs on deduction.
Example sentences are illustrative learning examples, not verified quotations.
What does Induction mean?
noun · /ɪnˈdʌkʃən/
The inference of a general law from particular instances; the process of inducting someone into a role; the generation of an electric current by changing magnetic fields.
Explore InductionInduction in a sentence
From one hundred interviews, the induction: people overestimate their own contribution to shared success.
The induction was elegant — she'd built the principle from enough cases that it held.
What does Deduction mean?
noun · /dɪˈdʌkʃən/
The inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle; the process of deducing a specific conclusion from general premises; subtraction of an amount.
Explore DeductionDeduction in a sentence
His deduction was correct: from the general principle and the specific facts, the conclusion followed necessarily.
Deduction in detection: the general knowledge of human behavior applied to the particular case.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Induction and Deduction?
Induction reasons *upward* from specific observations to a general principle — the scientific method, always provisional. Deduction applies a general rule *downward* to reach a specific conclusion — the logical method, certain if the premise holds. Sherlock Holmes claimed to use deduction but usually used induction: he observed particulars and built a theory. Science runs on induction; mathematics runs on deduction.
What does Induction mean?
The inference of a general law from particular instances; the process of inducting someone into a role; the generation of an electric current by changing magnetic fields.
What does Deduction mean?
The inference of particular instances by reference to a general law or principle; the process of deducing a specific conclusion from general premises; subtraction of an amount.