Langimage
English

induce

|in/duce|

B2

🇺🇸

/ɪnˈdus/

🇬🇧

/ɪnˈdjuːs/

to cause

Etymology
Etymology Information

'induce' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'inducere,' where 'in-' meant 'into' and 'ducere' meant 'to lead.'

Historical Evolution

'inducere' transformed into the Old French word 'induire,' and eventually became the modern English word 'induce' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to lead into or bring in,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to cause' or 'to persuade.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to bring about or give rise to.

The medicine may induce drowsiness.

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Verb 2

to persuade or influence someone to do something.

The advertisement was designed to induce people to buy the product.

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Verb 3

to bring on the birth of a baby artificially.

The doctor decided to induce labor.

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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40