| illative particle |
| Definition: A conjunction — such as hence, therefore, and wherefore — that expresses an inference. |
| Example: I shrink therefore I evanesce. |
| Etymology: The term derives from the Latin illatio, which derives from illatus, the past participle of inferre, infer. |
| Oxford English Dictionary: The phrase's first citation is from 1611: "First reason … collected from the illative particle therefore." (W. Sclater Key iii. 20. 328) |