'deductive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'deductivus,' where 'de-' meant 'down from' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead.'

'deductivus' transformed into the French word 'déductif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'deductive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to lead down from,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'reasoning from general principles to specific instances.'