What does induction mean?
Induction is the process of bringing about or introducing something, as when a person is inducted into a position or a condition is induced in a patient. It also names a method of reasoning that draws general conclusions from particular observations, opposite in direction to deduction. In electrical engineering, induction refers to the production of an effect, such as an electric current, through a changing electromagnetic field. Mathematical induction is a proof technique that establishes a statement for an initial case and then demonstrates its continuation. In obstetrics, induction means initiating labor before it begins naturally. The word comes from Latin, where it was associated with leading or drawing someone into a new role or state.
nounThe process of bringing something about, introducing someone into a role or activity, or causing a particular state or reaction. In science, mathematics, medicine, and electrical engineering, induction refers to more specific established processes.
- The act or process of inducing, introducing, or bringing about a particular state or result.
- The formal process of bringing someone into a position, role, or organization.
- The generation of an electric current or magnetic effect through a change in an electromagnetic field.
- A method of reasoning in which general principles are inferred from particular cases or observations.
- The mathematical principle that a proposition is true for an initial case if it is true whenever the preceding case is true.
"The induction of new employees helped them understand the organization's values and procedures."
"The court's decision was an induction of principles designed to govern future cases."
"After induction into the role, the new director began working with the senior team."
The plural is uncommon but standard, especially for separate formal initiations or instances of a process.
"The program offers inductions for new volunteers at the start of each month."
From Latin for “leading in,” induction is the bridge between beginning something and establishing what follows from it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does induction come from?
The word comes from Latin inductio, a noun meaning “a leading in” or “introduction,” derived from inducere, “to lead in” or “bring in.” English borrowed it through French in the 16th century, initially for the process of bringing someone into a position or introducing a subject to study. Its mathematical and scientific meanings developed from the earlier sense of drawing out general principles or bringing about an effect.
Related word forms
How induction is actually used
The term is formal and technical in many contexts. In medicine, “induction of labor” is common in both British and American English, though “inducing labor” is also widely used. In mathematics and logic, “induction” is contrasted with deduction.
Easily confused with induction
Induction reaches a conclusion from particular examples, whereas deduction derives a conclusion from general principles.
Intuition is an immediate understanding based on instinct or insight, while induction is a systematic process for establishing general conclusions from particular cases.