Definition of Deduction
Quick Meaning of Deduction
Money subtracted from your salary or income, either as required deductions (taxes) or optional ones (insurance, donations).
Detailed Definition of Deduction
An amount of money subtracted from a person's income or from a total, especially one allowed by tax law as a reduction of taxable income.
How to Pronounce Deduction
Stress pattern: oOo (3-syllable word).
Tip: dih-DUK-shun. Stress the second syllable DUK. Three syllables: dih-DUK-shun. The first and third syllables are unstressed.
Watch out: Learners often stress the first syllable (DE-duction) or mispronounce the middle syllable. Always stress DUK: dih-DUK-shun.
Origin and Etymology of Deduction
From Latin 'deducere' (to lead away, subtract), from 'de-' (down, away) + 'ducere' (to lead). Applied to accounting to mean 'money led away' or subtracted.
How to Use Deduction in a Sentence
Each example shows “deduction” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Common tax deductions include mortgage interest and charitable donations.”
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“The payroll system automatically makes deductions for taxes and benefits.”
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“Medical expenses may qualify as tax deductions if they exceed a certain threshold.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Deduction
Common Synonyms for Deduction
Smart Synonyms for Deduction — When to Use Each
- subtraction from total
- General term; emphasizes the deduction process
- tax-eligible reduction
- Technical accounting term; shows legal deduction status
- allowed expense reduction
- Emphasizes qualifying expenses subtracted
Antonyms of Deduction
Common Collocations with Deduction
These phrases pair with “deduction” in everyday English:
- tax deduction
- standard deduction
- itemized deduction
- claim a deduction
- deduction limit
Common Mistakes When Using Deduction
Even fluent speakers slip up with “deduction”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The deduction are calculated automatically.
- ✓ Correct: The deduction is calculated automatically.
- Why: Deduction (singular) takes 'is'; use 'deductions' (plural) for 'are'.
- ✗ Wrong: We must to claim tax deductions before filing.
- ✓ Correct: We must claim tax deductions before filing.
- Why: 'Must' is a modal verb; don't add 'to' after it.
- ✗ Wrong: The maximum deduction allow for charitable donations is $300,000.
- ✓ Correct: The maximum deduction allowed for charitable donations is $300,000.
- Why: Use past participle 'allowed', not present 'allow'.
Other Forms of Deduction
Frequently Asked Questions About Deduction
What is the meaning of "Deduction"?
Money subtracted from your salary or income, either as required deductions (taxes) or optional ones (insurance, donations).
How do you pronounce "Deduction"?
The IPA is /dɪˈdʌkʃən/. dih-DUK-shun. Stress the second syllable DUK. Three syllables: dih-DUK-shun. The first and third syllables are unstressed.
What part of speech is "Deduction"?
"Deduction" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Deduction"?
Common synonyms include subtraction, reduction, allowance.
How do you use "Deduction" in a sentence?
For example: "Common tax deductions include mortgage interest and charitable donations."