adduce
UK[əˈdjuːs]US[əˈduːs]
v
to cite as evidence or as an example in an argument or discussion.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
duce
ad
to, towards
duce
to lead
Etymology
the verb "adduce" is a direct borrowing from latin adducere, which is a compound of the prefix ad- ("to, toward") and the verb ducere ("to lead"). the literal sense of the latin word was "to lead or bring to" a person or place. this concrete meaning evolved logically into the abstract legal and argumentative sense of "to bring forward" evidence, reasons, or examples in support of a point. the semantic journey reflects a shift from physical guidance to the presentation of logical support, a path common to many latin derivatives entering english scholarly and legal vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to, towards) + duce (to lead)
- ad: a latin prefix meaning "to, toward, near."
- duce: from the latin root ducere, meaning "to lead, to bring, to draw."
Examples
the lawyer will adduce new documents to prove her client's innocence.
to support his theory, the researcher adduced several compelling case studies.
you may adduce any relevant facts in your defense.