/ ɪnˈdʌktɪv; NAmE / adjective
1.
( technical ) using particular facts and examples to form general rules and principles :
an inductive argument
inductive reasoning
—compare deductive
2.
( physics ) connected with the induction of electricity
► in·duct·ive·ly adverb :
a theory derived inductively from the data
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense leading to ): from Old French inductif , -ive or late Latin inductivus hypothetical (later inducing, leading to), from Latin inducere lead in, from in- into + ducere to lead. Sense 1 dates from the mid 18th cent.