Definition

The act of involving or requiring something as a necessary part or consequence.

Example

The entailment of the new policy will affect all employees.

Conversation

Did you understand the concept of entailment in our class yesterday?

Not really, it was a bit confusing for me.

Yeah, it can be tricky, but I think it just means what follows from something else.

That makes sense! I'll have to review my notes on entailment to get it straight.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Entailment → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "tail" (from Old French *tailler*, meaning to cut). The suffix "-ment" (meaning the action or result of) indicates the process or state of causing something to be cut or limited. Thus, entailment refers to the legal process of limiting the inheritance of property to specific heirs.

Memory Tip

Think of 'causing to be in' ('en-') a state of 'cutting' ('tail') something down to specific heirs — that's what entailment means.

Visually Confused Words