induce
/ɪnˈdjuːs/- 1.
To make something happen as a result of a deliberate action or set of conditions. It often implies that the cause is intentional or controlled.
- Stress can induce serious health problems over time.
- The cold medicine helped induce sleep within an hour.
- High temperatures induce chemical changes in the material.
- 2.
To persuade or influence someone to do something, often by offering a reason or benefit.
- Nothing could induce him to change his decision.
- The company offered bonuses to induce workers to stay.
- 3.
In medicine, to artificially start a natural process in the body, especially the process of giving birth.
- The doctor decided to induce labour two weeks early.
- She was induced because the baby was overdue.
Adinary Nuance
"Induce," "cause," "prompt," "trigger," and "bring about" are close neighbors, but each carries a different weight. "Cause" is the most neutral and direct — you use it for almost any cause-effect relationship. "Induce" is more formal and implies that the process is deliberate, gradual, or scientifically observed, making it a favourite in academic and IELTS writing. "Trigger" suggests a sudden, reactive effect (like a switch being flipped), while "induce" points to a more controlled or sustained influence. "Prompt" is the gentlest of the group — a small nudge — so if the effect is strong or significant, "induce" is the more accurate choice.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Gây ra / Thuyết phục
- Spanish
- Inducir
- Chinese
- 诱发 / 引起
- Japanese
- 引き起こす
- Korean
- 유발하다
Etymology
From Latin "inducere," meaning "to lead in" or "bring forward," formed from "in-" (into) and "ducere" (to lead). The word entered English in the late 14th century, partly through Old French "induire."
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'induce' formal or informal?
- 'Induce' is a formal word. It is common in academic writing, scientific reports, and IELTS essays, but you would rarely hear it in everyday casual conversation. In informal speech, people usually say 'cause' or 'make' instead.
- What is the difference between 'induce' and 'cause'?
- Both words describe a cause-and-effect relationship, but 'induce' is more formal and often suggests the cause is deliberate or controlled. 'Cause' is neutral and works in any context, while 'induce' is preferred in academic, medical, or scientific writing.
- What does 'induce' mean in a medical context?
- In medicine, 'induce' means to start a natural body process artificially. The most common use is 'induce labour,' which means a doctor uses medicine or other methods to start the birth process before it begins on its own.
- Can 'induce' mean the same as 'persuade'?
- Yes, 'induce' can mean to persuade someone to do something, but it is slightly stronger and more formal than 'persuade.' 'Induce' often suggests that an incentive or external pressure is involved, for example: 'The discount induced customers to buy more.'