演绎 (yǎnyì) — to deduce; to perform, to adapt

演绎 (yǎnyì)

演绎 has two major senses. In logic and academia, it means to deduce — to derive specific conclusions from general principles (deductive reasoning). In arts and performance, it means to perform, enact, or adapt — to bring a story, role, or theme to life. This duality makes it a versatile word used in both intellectual and creative contexts.

Meanings

1. [v] to deduce; to reason deductively from general to specific
2. [v] to perform; to enact; to present or adapt (a story, role, or theme)

Example Sentences

数学定理的证明过程本质上是一种演绎推理。 Shùxué dìnglǐ de zhèngmíng guòchéng běnzhì shàng shì yī zhǒng yǎnyì tuīlǐ. The process of proving mathematical theorems is essentially a form of deductive reasoning.

这部电影将经典神话演绎成了一个当代都市故事。 Zhè bù diànyǐng jiāng jīngdiǎn shénhuà yǎnyì chéngle yīgè dāngdài dūshì gùshi. This film adapted the classic myth into a contemporary urban story.

演绎法从普遍原则出发，推导出适用于具体情境的结论。 Yǎnyìfǎ cóng pǔbiàn yuánzé chūfā, tuīdǎo chū shìyòng yú jùtǐ qíngjìng de jiélùn. Deductive reasoning starts from universal principles and derives conclusions applicable to specific situations.

她将这首古典乐曲演绎得既忠于原作又富有个人风格。 Tā jiāng zhè shǒu gǔdiǎn yuèqǔ yǎnyì de jì zhōngyú yuánzuò yòu fùyǒu gèrén fēnggé. She performed this classical piece in a way that was both faithful to the original and full of personal style.

侦探根据现有线索演绎出了案件的完整经过。 Zhēntàn gēnjù xiànyǒu xiànsuǒ yǎnyì chūle ànjiàn de wánzhěng jīngguò. The detective deduced the complete sequence of events in the case from existing clues.

他的一生演绎了一代创业者不屈不挠的奋斗精神。 Tā de yīshēng yǎnyìle yīdài chuàngyèzhě bùqū bùnáo de fèndòu jīngshén. His entire life was a living embodiment of the indomitable entrepreneurial spirit of a generation.

Collocations

Usage Notes

演绎 is the logical counterpart of 归纳 (guīnà, inductive reasoning). In philosophical and scientific contexts, 演绎 always refers to deduction — drawing specific conclusions from general premises. In cultural and artistic contexts, it means to perform or adapt, often implying a creative reinterpretation.

A common error is to use 演绎 when only 表演 (biǎoyǎn) or 演出 (yǎnchū) is intended. 演绎 in the performance sense typically implies a creative or interpretive dimension — bringing something to life in a new or meaningful way — not just a routine performance. The expression 精彩演绎 (wonderful performance/adaptation) is widely used in arts journalism.

Memory Hook

演 (to perform, to develop) + 绎 (to unravel, to interpret): "unraveling the general thread and developing it into specific form" — both deduction and performance.