adduce

Everyday

(formal) To give something as a reason or proof in an argument: to adduce evidence is to bring it forward to support what you say. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff, formal word met in law, essays, exam answers and old books; in everyday talk people say «give», «point to» or «bring up» instead. In a story, a lawyer or professor may «adduce» facts. Phrases: «adduce evidence», «adduce reasons», «adduce examples».

Examples

• The lawyer adduced new evidence in court. tree →
• In her essay she adduced three reasons for saving the woods. tree →
• Scientists must adduce data to back up their claims. tree →
• He could adduce no proof that the dog ate his homework. tree →
• The teacher asked us to adduce examples from the text. tree →
• Several facts were adduced to show the bridge was unsafe. tree →

Note

A formal verb; pupils can use «give» or «present». Do not confuse with «deduce» (work something out) or «induce» (cause or persuade). Past: adduced.