Words / C1

di-DUKSHUN/dɪˈdʌkʃn/

A deduction is a conclusion from reasoning: a logical deduction, deduce (already in the dictionary). It is also money taken off a total (tax deductions, a deduction from wages). Inference is a close cousin in logic; discount is everyday for money off. Keep the Sherlock sense and the payroll sense apart. Do not write deduction for a wild guess.

Meaning

A conclusion reached by reasoning; also money taken off a total (tax deduction).

Examples

• “From the wet coats, her deduction was that it had rained.”
• “From the muddy prints, the deduction was that someone had come in from the field.”
• “Union subs are a deduction from pay, which is the money sense, not a clue.”

Good to know

A reasoned conclusion; also money taken off. Verb: deduce. Guess: not a deduction. Payroll/tax: money off.

Near in meaning

inference

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