Reading Theme:
Entail: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：involve as a necessary part (entail)
entail
/ɪnˈteɪl/
vt.
If an action or plan entails something, it means that thing is a necessary part of it and you can’t do it without that thing.
involve as a necessary part
➕
/ɪnˈvɑːlv æz ə ˈnɛsəsɛri pɑːrt/
vt.
This meaning describes something that is an indispensable component or requirement of an action, process, or situation. It focuses on the inherent elements that cannot be separated from the whole.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'entaillier' (en- 'into' + taille 'a cutting'). Literally means 'to cut into and restrict'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: To EN-sure a TAIL-end result is attached. ENTAIL = Ensure a Tail/Consequence.
📖 Example
Learning a new skill usually entails memorizing a lot of vocabulary and practicing pronunciation.
Learning a new skill usually involves memorizing a lot of vocabulary and practicing pronunciation as necessary components.
🔗 Collocations
entail hard work – to involve demanding effort as a necessary condition
entail a cost – to have a financial expense as an unavoidable part
entail significant changes – to require major modifications as an integral part
🔄 Synonyms
involve (vt.) – to include something as a necessary part or consequence
necessitate (vt.) – to make something necessary as an essential condition
require (vt.) – to need something for a particular purpose
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
entailment (n.) – something that is involved or required as a necessary part
📖 Cultural Story
Historically, 'entail' was a legal term in English common law referring to the settling of property inheritance so that it must descend in a fixed, restricted line, preventing sale or fragmentation. This practice was famously criticized in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' regarding the Bennet family estate.
Meaning 2：lead to inevitably (entail)
entail
/ɪnˈteɪl/
vt.
If one thing entails another, it means the first thing will cause the second thing to happen as a necessary result.
lead to inevitably
➕
/liːd tuː ɪnˈɛvɪtəbli/
vt.
This meaning describes a direct and unavoidable consequence or outcome that follows from a prior action, decision, or condition. It focuses on the causal relationship.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Climate change may entail more frequent extreme weather events.
Climate change may lead to more frequent extreme weather events as an inevitable consequence.
🔗 Collocations
entail serious consequences – to inevitably cause significant negative outcomes
entail a loss – to necessarily result in something being forfeited
entail an obligation – to impose a duty or responsibility as a necessary result
🔄 Synonyms
cause (vt.) – to make something happen
result in (phrasal v.) – to have a specified outcome
bring about (phrasal v.) – to cause something to happen
🚫 Antonyms
prevent (vt.) – to stop something from happening
🌱 Derivatives
entailment (n.) – a consequence that logically follows
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