Reading Theme:
Induction: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：onboarding (induction)
induction
/ɪnˈdʌkʃn/
n.
A process of introducing a new person to a job, organization, or activity, usually with training and explanations.
onboarding
➕
/ˈɒnbɔːdɪŋ/
n.
The formal process of introducing and integrating a new member into an organization, team, or role, often involving training and familiarization.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'inductio' (a leading in), from 'inducere' (to lead in).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'INtroDUCTION'—leading someone IN to a new job or leading your thoughts IN to a general conclusion.
📖 Example
During her induction, Sarah met the whole team and learned how to use the office software.
During her onboarding, Sarah met the whole team and learned how to use the office software.
🔗 Collocations
induction program – A structured set of activities for new members
induction period – The initial phase of joining a new organization
induction ceremony – A formal event to welcome new members
🔄 Synonyms
orientation (n.) – Introductory training or information for newcomers
initiation (n.) – The action of admitting someone into a group, often with rituals
introduction (n.) – The act of presenting someone to a new environment or concept
🚫 Antonyms
termination (n.) – The act of ending someone's employment or membership
dismissal (n.) – The act of removing someone from a job or position
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'inducere' (in- 'into' + ducere 'to lead'). Key in scientific philosophy, where 'inductive reasoning' was championed by Francis Bacon as a method to derive general principles from specific observations, forming a foundation of the empirical scientific method.
Meaning 2：generalization (induction)
induction
/ɪnˈdʌkʃn/
n.
A way of reasoning where you make a general rule or conclusion based on observing many specific examples.
generalization
➕
/ˌdʒenrəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/
n.
A method of reasoning that moves from specific observations and instances to broader generalizations and theoretical principles.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In science class, we learned about induction by observing how plants grow toward light and concluding that light is essential for plant growth.
In science class, we learned about generalization by observing how plants grow toward light and concluding that light is essential for plant growth.
🔗 Collocations
inductive reasoning – The logical process of making generalizations from specifics
inductive logic – The branch of logic dealing with inductive arguments
inductive leap – The jump from observed cases to a universal conclusion
🔄 Synonyms
generalization (n.) – A general statement or concept based on specific instances
extrapolation (n.) – Estimating something unknown by extending known data
inference (n.) – A conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning
🚫 Antonyms
deduction (n.) – Reasoning from general principles to specific cases
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser