-al

Table of contents

1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Adjectival suffix 1.2.1 Usage note 1.3 Synonyms

English

Etymology

From Latin adjective suffix -alis

Adjectival suffix

-al

1. of or pertaining to; adjectival suffix appended to various words, often nouns, to make an adjective form. Often added to words of Latin origin, but used with other words also.

   line, lineal

   base, basal

   cranium, cranial

Usage note

If the root word ends in l, the variant -ar is often used instead. Sometimes both forms are found: linear, lineal.

Synonyms

• -an
• -ar
• -ese
• -ic
• -id
• -ish
• -like
• -oid
• -ous
• -y