Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “deduction” come from?

Deduction comes from Middle French déduction, from Latin deductio, derived from the verb duco meaning "to lead," with the prefix de- meaning "away," ultimately from Proto-Indo-European dewk-.

deduction (English): That which is deducted; that which is subtracted...

Definitions

  1. That which is deducted; that which is subtracted...

Ancestry of “deduction”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Frenchdéduction—
2Latindeductiodrawing, draining or leading off or forth;...
3Latin-tiō—
4Latindissertātiō—
5Latindissertusarranged, disposed; explained
6Latindissereresecond-person singular future passive indicative...
7Latindis-asunder, apart, in two; reversal, removal;...
8Latincalceusshoe
9Latincalxlimestone; chalk; the finish line
10Ancient Greekχάλιξsmall stone, pebble; gravel, rubble
Every word from Ancient Greek χάλιξ →