-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.

254 / 291

adjective / noun

special

SPESH-uhl/ˈspeʃl/

Set apart from the ordinary for a particular reason.

The handmade cup is special because its pattern differs from the plain cups.

One uniquely patterned handmade cup among ordinary plain cups.

Etymology

speciLatinappearance, kind, or sort

+alLatinof, relating to

Latin species could identify a particular kind distinguished by shared characteristics. Its adjective meant “individual” or “particular,” leading to the sense of something marked off from the general or ordinary.

In context

The Heretic Files10:29

… special pleading is when you say that we're going to use reason in the standards of reason in every case. But this one is special cuz it's God.

Matt Dillahunty TRAPS Christian on His Own Claim of Absolute Certainty About God

More examples

The school provides special equipment for students with disabilities.
The store's weekend specials include half-price towels.
Tonight's special is grilled trout with lemon.
We watch a holiday special on television every December.

Forms

special · specials · more special · most special

specially adverb — For a particular purpose or occasion.

Similar words

unusual: Emphasizes being uncommon, without implying a particular purpose or value.
exceptional: Suggests a much greater departure from normal, often in quality.
particular: Identifies one specific person or thing rather than others.