YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

entail

Verb

IPA /ɪnˈteɪl/

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Meaning in plain English

To involve a particular action, effort or consequence as a necessary part of doing something.

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Pronunciation

entail/ɪnˈteɪl/

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You take on the role
Regular evening work is necessary

The role entails evening work if that work is a necessary part of it.

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Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

Moving to the countryside would entail buying a car.
The role entails checking invoices and answering customer enquiries.

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Quick word quiz

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Moving to the countryside would ________ buying a car.

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entail — To involve a particular action, effort or consequence as a necessary part of doing something.

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To involve a particular action, effort or consequence as a necessary part of doing something.

Compare: Moving to the countryside would entail buying a car.

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Word origin

Originally a legal word, formed with Old French taille, related to cutting or marking.

Did you know?

Entail is followed by a noun or an -ing form: entail travel; entail travelling.

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