rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

151 / 336
A permitted street vendor shows a plain stamped permit with a checkmark to a municipal inspector who nods, lawful status, no prose.
noun

legality

lih-GAL-uh-tee/lɪˈɡæləti/

Conformity to the requirements of law.

Etymology
legLatinlaw or enacted rule
+alLatinof, relating to
+ityLatina quality or state

The endings turn the law root into a quality or state. Legality originally described law-abiding behavior or character; in the selected sense, it names the state of being permitted by law.

Full entry

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