-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 / noun

oriental

or-ee-EN-tul/ˌɔːriˈentl/

Relating to East Asia, in usage often outdated or offensive when applied to people.

The oriental porcelain vase features a blue-and-white plum-blossom design.

A traditional East Asian blue-and-white porcelain vase with plum-blossom motif and an unmarked folding screen, respectful object-based historical regional usage, no stereotyped people.

Etymology

orientLatinrising; the east

+alLatinof, relating to

The pieces mean 'relating to the east,' with east identified by the rising sun. Here that geographical label refers specifically to East Asia, in usage now often considered dated or insensitive.

In context

Libranima12:06

which, with many others, form a vast mole, or rampart, lengthwise connecting Asia with Australia, and dividing the long unbroken Indian ocean from the thickly studded oriental archipelagoes.

Moby Dick - Illustrated Audiobook for Focused Reading (Part 3/3)

More examples

The catalog uses “oriental” for pottery made in East Asia.
She replaces “oriental” with “East Asian” in the exhibit text.
The old book calls East Asian people “orientals,” a term now usually considered offensive.

Forms

oriental · orientals

Similar words

East Asian: A current regional term, appropriate for people and cultures.
Asian: Refers to all of Asia, not just East Asia.