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.

---

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

---

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- ( illation ) + -īvus -ive

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

In the latter we have developed at great length the important thought that the illative character of propositional judgments implies an objective relation; and that in all truths the subject-idea must be objective.

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