entail
entail
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "entail" has two common variations:
British English (Traditional): /ɪnˈteɪl/ (2 syllables)
1st syllable (in): /ɪn/ - short "i" sound like in "in"
2nd syllable (tail): /ˈteɪl/ - stressed "ei" sound like in "day" followed by a voiced "l" sound
American English (Modern): /ɛnˈteɪl/ (2 syllables)
1st syllable (en): /ɛn/ - short "e" sound like in "bed" followed by a nasal "n" sound
2nd syllable (tail): /ˈteɪl/ - stressed "ei" sound like in "day" followed by a voiced "l" sound
Word Form Variations
The word "entail" has limited variations in form. Here's the breakdown:
Singular: entail (This is the base form used for both subjects and objects)
Plural: entails (This is used when referring to multiple instances of entailing something)
Present participle: entailing (This describes something that is currently happening, e.g., "The project is entailing a lot of research.")
Past participle: entailed (This describes something that has already happened, e.g., "The contract entailed several hidden fees.")
Gerund: entailing (This functions as a noun form of the verb, e.g., "The entailing of the property caused complications.")
There are no separate forms for different tenses or cases. You can use the present participle ("entailing") with helping verbs to create different verb tenses (e.g., "was entailing," "has entailed").
There is no adjective form of "entail." You might need to use adverbs or phrases to express related ideas (e.g., "an entailed estate," "a heavily burdened project").
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb:
Definition: To involve or necessitate something as a consequence or requirement.
Synonyms: necessitate, require, involve, demand, imply, presuppose
Antonyms: exclude, obviate, preclude, dispense with (depending on context)
Example: "Learning a new language entails a significant time commitment."
Noun (Less Common):
Definition: (a) The act of entailing something; (b) a legal restriction placed on an inheritance. (Note: This noun usage is less frequent than the verb form)
Synonyms: requirement, consequence, implication (for a); restriction, limitation, fetter (for b)
Antonyms: benefit, advantage (for a); freedom, open inheritance (for b)
Example (Noun - a): "The entail of such a large project was not fully considered." Example (Noun - b): "The entail stipulated that the estate could only pass to direct male heirs." (This usage is more specific to legal contexts)
Examples of Use
Books:
Classic Literature: "Marrying into the Bennet family entailed navigating a complex web of personalities." (Paraphrase of a concept from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice")
Science Fiction: "Activating the hyperdrive entailed a significant risk of energy depletion." (Example from a fictional space exploration narrative)
Newspapers:
Headline: "Tax Cuts Entail Cuts to Social Programs" (This is a common way newspapers might use "entail" to highlight the consequences of a policy decision) ([Source can vary depending on specific news article])
Online Publications:
Tech Blog: "Upgrading your computer software often entails compatibility issues with older programs." (Example from a blog post about technology)
Entertainment Mediums:
Movie Dialogue: "Taking this case entails putting yourself in danger." (Line from a legal thriller film)
Video Game Description: "Choosing this path entails facing a powerful enemy." (Description of a branching storyline in a video game)
General Public Discourse:
Social Media Post: "Travelling the world entails budgeting carefully." (Social media post sharing travel experiences)
Conversation: "Learning a new skill often entails making mistakes along the way." (Informal conversation about personal growth)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Entail
While there aren't ten widely known quotes that specifically use "entail," here are some famous quotes that capture the essence of the word's meaning (involving consequences or requirements):
"Freedom is not the absence of commitments, but the liberty to choose them." - John F. Kennedy (This quote implies that freedom comes with the responsibility of making choices that have consequences)
"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." - Socrates (This quote suggests that the pursuit of knowledge entails acknowledging the limitations of our current understanding)
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu (This proverb highlights that even grand achievements entail starting with smaller actions)
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent van Gogh (Similar to the previous quote, this one emphasises the incremental nature of achievement)
"The unexamined life is not worth living." - Socrates (This quote suggests that living a meaningful life entails self-reflection and questioning assumptions)
"With great power comes great responsibility." - Uncle Ben (from Spider-Man) (This famous line implies that having advantages or abilities comes with the obligation to use them wisely)
"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance." - Thomas Jefferson (This quote suggests that maintaining freedom entails constant effort and awareness)
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin (This proverb emphasises that success often entails careful planning and preparation)
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote suggests that shaping our own destiny entails making conscious choices about who we want to be)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt (This quote implies that achieving dreams entails believing in their possibility and taking action)
Etymology
The word "entail" comes from a long journey through languages! It all starts with the Latin word "talea," which means "cutting." Think of a "tailor" who cuts and shapes fabric.
In Late Latin, they took "talea" and made "taliare," which meant "to split or divide." This idea of dividing something up is connected to how "entail" was first used in English around the 1300s. Back then, it referred to a specific legal situation with land inheritance.
Imagine a wealthy family wanting to make sure their land stayed with a particular line of descendants, like their eldest son and his heirs. They would "entail" the land, basically putting a restriction on it. This meant the land couldn't be sold or divided up, and it had to be passed down to the chosen heirs exactly as planned.
So, the original meaning of "entail" is connected to the idea of cutting something off (like inheritance options) and making sure it goes to a specific path. The word's meaning has broadened over time to refer to any kind of consequence or requirement that comes with something.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Entail
While there aren't many common idioms that directly use "entail," here are some phrases that incorporate the word "entail" to express similar ideas:
"It entails..." (This is a straightforward way to introduce a consequence or requirement) - "Taking this job entails long hours and travel."
"Come what may..." (This idiom implies accepting the potential consequences of a decision) - "We'll go on this hike come what may, even if it starts raining." (Note: "Entail" could be used instead of "come what may" for a more formal tone)
"A double-edged sword..." (This idiom describes something with both positive and negative aspects) - "Learning a new language is a double-edged sword; it takes time but opens up new opportunities." (Note: You could rephrase this as "Learning a new language entails both challenges and rewards.")
"You can't have your cake and eat it too..." (This proverb highlights that choices often involve trade-offs) - "You can't stay up late and expect to be well-rested in the morning." (Note: You could rephrase this as "Staying up late entails sacrificing sleep.")
Posts Related to Entail
Source Information
Definition of entail from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.