-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

penal

PEE-nul/ˈpiːnl/

Relating to punishment for breaking the law.

The locked cell corridor forms part of the penal institution.

Prison building and locked cell corridor, emphasis on penal system.

Etymology

penLatinpunishment or penalty

+alLatinof, relating to

The pieces mean “relating to punishment.” This connection explains why penal describes laws, penalties, and prisons in terms of their role in imposing punishment.

In context

Centrist Millennial12:29

Transportation was a common punishment penal Transportation particularly sending um criminals to the new world

Britain's Dark Past: The Pillory and other Brutal Punishments

More examples

Penal reform aims to make sentences fairer.
The judge explains the penal consequences of violating probation.
The report describes harsh conditions in the penal system.

Forms

penalize verb — To punish someone for an offense.

penalty noun — A punishment imposed for an offense.

Similar words

punitive: Emphasizes inflicting punishment, not necessarily under criminal law.
correctional: Relates specifically to prisons and the treatment of offenders.