-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.

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adjective

dual

DOO-ul/ˈduːəl/

Having two parts or aspects.

The unfolding sofa has a dual purpose as seating and a bed.

A dual-purpose sofa partly unfolded into a bed, both seating and sleeping surfaces evident.

Etymology

duLatintwo

+alLatinof, relating to

The pieces express “relating to two.” English first used dual for a grammatical form referring to two, then broadened it to things with two parts or aspects.

In context

ESO-ENGINEERING0:35

all cars must operate a dual brake system so if one system fails the other would provide enough Force to safely stop the vehicle

HOW BRAKE MASTER CYLIDER WORKS

More examples

This room serves a dual purpose as an office and guest room.
His dual citizenship lets him hold passports from both countries.
The project has a dual focus on cost and safety.

Forms

duality noun — The state of having two aspects.

Similar words

twofold: Often emphasizes two aspects rather than two physical parts.
double: Often means twice as much, rather than having two aspects.