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.

260 / 291
adjective

substantial

Considerable in size, amount, or importance.

The repairs require a substantial amount of time and money.

Etymology

The older adjective concerns substance or real existence. It developed a quantitative sense for something with enough substance to be considerable or important.

More examples

  • She made a substantial contribution to the project.
  • We found substantial evidence supporting the account.
  • Their savings grew by a substantial margin.

Forms

substantial

Similar words

considerable
Often emphasizes amount or degree rather than solid reality.
significant
Significant emphasizes importance rather than physical size or amount.