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.

139 / 291
adjective / noun

local

LOH-kul/ˈləʊkl/

Serving or belonging to the particular surrounding area.

The local baker hands bread to a nearby resident.

A neighborhood baker hands bread to a nearby resident beside a short street segment with two small neighboring homes, showing the immediate local community.
Etymology
locLatinplace
+alLatinof, relating to

Locus plus -alis gives “pertaining to a place.” The sense “limited to a particular place” connects this formation to today’s nearby area or community.

In context

Highland Radio Ireland100:05
a group of local people in the bonchana community have come together to welcome all new residents to the area
Join Greg Hughes for Tuesdays Nine ‘til Noon Show & share your views! Comment below!

More examples

  • The locals recommend a quiet beach outside town.
  • Our union local meets on the first Tuesday of each month.
  • We take the local because it stops at every station.

Forms

local · locals

locally adverb — In or near the surrounding area.

locality noun — A particular area, place, or neighborhood.

Similar words

nearby
Emphasizes physical closeness rather than connection to an area.
regional
Covers a broader area than a single town or neighborhood.