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A.Word.A.Day--illation

illation (i-LAY-shuhn) noun

1. The act of inferring.

2. An inference or conclusion drawn.

[From Late Latin illation-, from Latin illatus, past participle of inferre (to bring in), from il- + ferre (to carry).]

What could today's word have in common with terms such as fertile, transfer, refer, and circumference? They all derive from the same Latin root ferre (to carry).

"Her political illations are by any standards excessively childish." Sion Simon; Love's labour lost; The Spectator (London, UK); Dec 4, 1999.

"The same high power of reason, intent in every one to explore and display some truth ... of law, deduced by construction, perhaps, or by illation." Rufus Choate; Eulogy of Daniel Webster; 1853.

This week's theme: assorted words.

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