inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv 

1

: of, relating to, or employing mathematical or logical induction

inductive reasoning

2

: of or relating to inductance or electrical induction

3

: introductory

4

: involving the action of an embryological organizer : tending to produce induction

5

: leading on : inducing

inductively adverb

Examples of inductive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is considered an inductive form of learning, namely that by looking at lots of examples, the hope is to learn generalized precepts based on the examples. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

That group set out to outfit 25 Jaguar I-Pace electric SUVs with Momentum Dynamics’ inductive charging receivers. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Apr. 2024

Looking back on this exercise in inductive thinking, this turned out to be remarkably prescient. —Eli Amdur, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Robotic cars can position themselves precisely to assure a good inductive link. —Brad Templeton, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Rhymes for inductive

• abductive
• conductive
• constructive
• deductive
• destructive
• instructive
• obstructive
• productive
• reductive
• seductive
• counterproductive
• photoconductive

Kids Definition

inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv 

: relating to, using, or based on induction

inductively adverb

Medical Definition

inductive

adjective

in·​duc·​tive in-ˈdək-tiv 

1

: of or relating to inductance or electrical induction

2

: involving the action of an embryological inductor : tending to produce induction

the inductive effect of chordamesoderm

inductive reactions in the embryo

inductively adverb