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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.

170 / 291
verb

moralize

MOR-uh-lyze/ˈmɔːrəlaɪz/

To discuss or interpret something as a lesson about right and wrong.

The speaker moralizes about littering even after the listener cleans up.

A minor lapse has already been put right, but the speaker keeps delivering a self-righteous lecture: a compact two-panel sequence shows litter being disposed of, followed by continued finger-raised preaching to the visibly weary person who corrected it.
Etymology
morLatincustom, habit, or disposition
+alLatinof, relating to
+izeLatinmake, become, or act in a particular way

Built on the root for customs and manners, moralize originally meant to draw out a moral or spiritual lesson. Making moral reflections connects that use with the selected sense of commenting preachily on right and wrong.

In context

themightyapefish62:18
you've got the cheek to come on here and moralize because you failed to get me tickets and make a dream come true
KARL VS STEVE - ALL THE INSULTS

More examples

  • The teacher moralizes about honesty while discussing the story.
  • Rather than moralize about his mistake, we help him fix it.
  • The essay moralizes about the dangers of greed.

Forms

moralize · moralizes · moralized · moralizing

moralizer noun — Someone who comments on right and wrong.

Similar words

preach
Often urges moral or religious behavior more forcefully.
lecture
Stresses lengthy instruction or criticism, not necessarily moral lessons.