illative

[ il-uh-tiv, ih-ley-tiv ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or expressing illation; inferential:

   an illative word such as “therefore.”

2. Grammar. noting a case, as in Finnish, whose distinctive function is to indicate place into or toward which.

noun

1. Grammar. the illative case.

illative

/ ɪˈleɪtɪv /

adjective

1. of or relating to illation; inferential
2. grammar denoting a word or morpheme used to signal inference, for example so or therefore
3. (in the grammar of Finnish and other languages) denoting a case of nouns expressing a relation of motion or direction, usually translated by the English prepositions into or towards Compare elative

noun

1. grammar
   1. the illative case
   2. an illative word or speech element

Derived Forms

• ilˈlatively, adverb

Other Words From

• illa·tive·ly adverb
• non·illa·tive adjective
• non·illa·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of illative¹

1585–95; < Late Latin illātīvus, equivalent to illāt- ( illation ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of illative¹

C16: from Late Latin illātīvus inferring, concluding

Example Sentences

I admit, indeed, that the illative faculty works under rules upon which choice and inclination ought to exercise no influence whatever.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the so-called illative relation, the relation which obtains between two classes when one is subsumed under the other, or between two statements, or two decisions, when one implies or entails the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Newman asserts that certainty is a quality of propositions, and he has discovered in man 'an illative sense' whereby conclusions are converted into dogmas and a measured concurrence into an unlimited and absolute assurance.

From Project Gutenberg

Stepping by 'illative conversion,' 'six rules to be observed with respect to categorical syllogism' next demand attention, followed hard by eleven moods which can be used in a legitimate syllogism, Viz.——

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes, I say, this illative faculty is nothing short of genius.

From Project Gutenberg