Definition

1. Noun:
   • A logical conclusion or necessary consequence: In logic and philosophy, an "entailment" is something that must be true if a given statement or set of statements is true. It is a relationship where the truth of one proposition guarantees the truth of another.
   • An inference or implication: More generally, it refers to something that is inferred, deduced, or implied from a situation, statement, or set of facts.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The logical entailment of the premises led to an unavoidable conclusion.
  • His statement had several political entailments that were not immediately obvious.
  • Understanding the full entailments of the new law will take time.

Advanced Usage

• Logical/Material Entailment: In formal logic, a distinction is sometimes made. Logical entailment means the conclusion follows from the premises by logical necessity alone. Material entailment might consider factual or semantic content.
  • The argument is valid because of a strict logical entailment.
• As a mass noun: The concept or relationship itself can be referred to as "entailment."
  • The study focused on the nature of entailment in conditional sentences.

Variants and Related Words

• Entail (verb): To involve something as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence.
  • The job entails a lot of responsibility.
• Entailed (adjective): Describing something that is a necessary consequence.
  • The entailed risks were carefully considered.

Synonyms

• Implication: Something suggested or involved as a necessary consequence.
• Consequence: A result or effect, especially one that logically follows.
• Deduction: A conclusion reached through logical reasoning.
• Corollary: A proposition that follows from one already proven.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• (To be) an entailment of: A formal phrase indicating something is a necessary consequence of something else.
  • Increased scrutiny is an entailment of holding public office.

Noun

1. something that is inferred (deduced or entailed or implied)
   • his resignation had political implications