illative

American  

[il-uh-tiv, ih-ley-tiv] / ˈɪl ə tɪv, ɪˈleɪ tɪv /

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.

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noun

1. Grammar. the illative case.

illative British  

/ 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

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noun

1. grammar

   1. the illative case

   2. an illative word or speech element

Other Word Forms

• illatively adverb
• nonillative adjective
• nonillatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of illative

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

Example Sentences

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

From An Essay In Aid Of A Grammar Of Assent by Newman, John Henry

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

From The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 6 (of 12) Dresden Edition?Discussions by Ingersoll, Robert Green

Hence, so far as mere relational form is concerned, the illative relation itself may be wholly reduced to the symmetrical relation of opposition.

From International Congress of Arts and Science, Volume I Philosophy and Metaphysics by Various

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 Res Judicat? Papers and Essays by Birrell, Augustine

Men become personal when logic fails; it is their mode of appealing to their own primary elements of thought, and their own illative sense, against the principles and the judgment of another.

From An Essay In Aid Of A Grammar Of Assent by Newman, John Henry