-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.

289 / 291

adjective / noun

vocal

VOH-kul/ˈvəʊkl/

Relating to expression through the human voice.

She gives a vocal performance while another woman plays piano.

A young woman sings into a microphone while another woman accompanies her on a piano.

Etymology

vocLatinvoice, sound, or utterance

+alLatinof, relating to

Originally describing something spoken or produced by the voice, vocal also came to mean outspoken: making one's opinions heard rather than merely making a sound.

In context

Highland Radio Ireland40:33

very small minority so those of us who do not want to see that sort of behavior in our town in our in our communities we need to to be vocal and also we need to listen

Watch Thursday Nine till Noon Show live

More examples

The singers do vocal warmups before every rehearsal.
Residents are vocal about their concerns at the meeting.
She sings the lead vocal on the band's latest song.

Forms

vocal · vocals · more vocal · most vocal

vocalist noun — A singer, especially in a musical group.

vocalize verb — To produce sounds with the voice.

Similar words

spoken: Produced by speaking rather than singing or writing.
outspoken: Emphasizes frank opinions, often despite disagreement or social pressure.