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.

268 / 336
Agent hands house key to buyer beside isolated small house architectural model and simple deed with seal, no words; property transaction rather than general office.
noun

realty

REE-ul-tee/ˈriːəlti/

Land and buildings held as property.

Etymology
reLatinthing, property
+alLatinof, relating to
+tyLatina quality or state

The root means “thing” or “property,” but realty first meant reality, then a real possession. Its specialization to land reflects the fixed, permanent nature of landed property.

Full entry

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