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.

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adjective

parochial

puh-ROH-kee-ul/pəˈrəʊkiəl/

Relating to a church parish.

The children attend the parochial school beside their church.

A clergy teacher teaches children in a school connected to a parish church.
Etymology
parochLatinparish, diocese
+ialLatinof, relating to

Originally describing what belonged to a parish, parochial came to suggest an outlook confined to that small district. The geographical boundary became a figurative limit on someone's interests or understanding.

In context

Center on Global Energy Policy5:04
our parochial vantage point
Where Next on Climate? Conservative Prescriptions on Climate Change

More examples

  • She searches the parochial records for her grandfather's baptism.
  • The priest oversees parochial activities throughout the week.
  • Donations cover parochial expenses, including repairs to the church.

Forms

parochial

parish noun — A local church community or district.

Similar words

ecclesiastical
Relates to the church broadly, not specifically to a parish.
congregational
Relates to a worshiping congregation rather than a parish district.