entail

Pronunciation: en-TAYL

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of entail

To involve or necessitate something as an inevitable or logical consequence; to require something as part of the whole or as a condition.

Origin of entail

Language of origin: Middle English (via Anglo-French)

Root word: en- + taille

Original meaning: 'en-' meaning 'in' and 'taille' meaning 'cutting' or 'limitation'

How it evolved: Originally used in a legal sense to describe property restrictions, its meaning broadened to include general consequences or requirements.

The word 'entail' originated in late Middle English, initially referring to a legal restriction on inheritance, and later evolved to mean 'involve as a necessary consequence.'

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember entail

Think of 'entail' as something that 'in-tails' or is 'in the tail'—hidden in the details or consequences that follow logically.

Synonyms for entail

Antonyms of entail

entail in a Sentence

  1. Achieving true mastery of a subject entails years of diligent study and practice.
  2. The new legislation entails significant changes to the tax code, affecting millions of households.
  3. Building a sustainable future entails a collective effort from governments, businesses, and individuals.

entail in Literature & Culture

The legal concept of entailment has been explored in literature, such as Jane Austen's novels, to highlight social and economic challenges of inheritance laws during her time.

Usage Notes

Entail is often used to describe logical or inevitable consequences, especially in formal or academic contexts. Avoid confusing it with 'include,' which implies a broader sense of addition rather than necessity.

Why entail Matters for GRE & SAT

This word frequently appears in GRE reading comprehension passages and text completion questions, where understanding causal relationships is essential.

Word Family

entailment (noun)
The condition or fact of being involved or necessitated as a consequence.
entailed (adjective)
Involved or required as a necessary consequence.

Did You Know?

  • In legal contexts, 'entail' once referred to inheritance laws limiting property transfer to specific heirs.
  • Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' famously discusses the entailment of the Bennet family estate, highlighting its restrictive nature.
  • The concept of entailment is also significant in philosophy and logic, referring to the relationship between premises and conclusions.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with E

  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • ebullient — cheerful and joyful
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
  • eclectic — Deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources
  • eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
  • eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
  • eclipse — overshadow or surpass