retroduction

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retroduction

Where it comes from

From Latin retroducere, retroductum (“to lead or bring back”), from retro (“backward”) + ducere (“to lead”).

noun retroductions

countable, uncountable Synonym of abduction. Whereas retroduction involves one step, and deduction involves two, induction, as the third stage, involves three: classification, probationary argument, and appraisal of the probations.
Similar: abduction
broadly, countable, uncountable A system of research or problem-solving based on abduction; A dialectic method of working from existing information to achieve a theory or from a desired outcome to achieve a design. This is the big advantage of retroduction; it is difficult the first time it is attempted, but with a little experience, you can select the designs more and more quickly. Most good designers perform retroduction without realizing it.
countable, obsolete, uncountable A leading or bringing back. On the subject of Planting, Mr. M. is of opinion that 'the offering premiums for the general increase of wood is going retrograde, or constributing towards a retroduction of uncultivated nature; instead of which, this country ought to be in a state of garden-like cultivation.

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MLA

"retroduction." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/retroduction. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

retroduction. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/retroduction

Chicago

"retroduction." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/retroduction.

BibTeX

@misc{retroduction_2026,
  title = {retroduction},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/retroduction},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}