Difference Between Deduct, Adduce, and Deduce

These three words sound a bit alike but have different meanings. Let’s learn about each word, their history, how to use them, and tips to remember the differences.

Deduct

History: The word “deduct” comes from the Latin word deductus, meaning “to lead away.” It was first used in English around the 14th century.

Meaning: “Deduct” means to take away or subtract.

How to Use: You use “deduct” when you want to talk about removing something, especially in numbers or money.

Examples:

• The store will deduct 10% from the total price.
• She deducts expenses from her salary every month.
• The teacher deducted points for late homework.
• They will deduct the cost from your refund.
• After taxes are deducted, his pay is less.

Adduce

History: The word “adduce” comes from the Latin word adducere, meaning “to lead to” or “to bring forward.” It was first used in English around the 15th century.

Meaning: “Adduce” means to present or offer as evidence or proof.

How to Use: You use “adduce” when you want to talk about giving reasons or examples to support a point.

Examples:

• He adduced facts to show he was right.
• The lawyer adduced evidence in court.
• She adduced examples from her research.
• They adduced a document to prove the claim.
• The scientist adduced data to support his theory.

Deduce

History: The word “deduce” also comes from Latin, from the word deducere, meaning “to lead down.” It was first used in English in the 16th century.

Meaning: “Deduce” means to figure out or conclude something based on facts or reasoning.

How to Use: You use “deduce” when you are drawing a logical conclusion based on the information you have.

Examples:

• From the clues, the detective deduced who the thief was.
• We can deduce the solution from the hints given.
• She deduced from his smile that he was happy.
• They deduced that it would rain from the dark clouds.
• The teacher deduced that the student understood the lesson.

Summary

To deduct means to take away or subtract. To adduce means to provide proof or evidence for something. To deduce means to arrive at a conclusion by reasoning.

One trick to remember: “Deduct” starts with “de” as in “decrease” (subtract). “Adduce” has “add” in the middle, as you add a reason or proof. “Deduce” leads to a decision or conclusion based on facts.