Y06W09VC Word Roots — -al (relating to)

The suffix -al comes from Latin and means 'relating to', 'of' or 'having the character of'. It is added to nouns to form adjectives that describe something connected to or characteristic of the base word. Recognising -al helps students decode a wide range of formal and academic adjectives across many subject areas. This module explores six academic words built with this suffix alongside three Word Families examples.

Word Families

These three words all contain -al. As you read, notice how the meaning 'relating to' helps you work out each word.

personal

/ˈpɜːsənəl/

per‑son‑al

adjective

Relating to a particular person or their private life, feelings or experiences.

Word Breakdown: -al (suffix meaning 'relating to')

Example: The author drew on personal experiences to make the writing more authentic and engaging.

Synonyms: individual, private, subjective

Collocations: a personal opinion, personal experience, make it personal

cultural

/ˈkʌltʃərəl/

cul‑tur‑al

adjective

Relating to the customs, beliefs, arts and social behaviour of a particular group or society.

Example: The poem reflects the cultural values of the community it was written for.

Synonyms: social, traditional, community-based

Collocations: cultural identity, cultural background, cultural significance

natural

/ˈnætʃərəl/

nat‑u‑ral

adjective

Existing in or produced by the natural world; not made or caused by people. Also describes something that comes easily or without effort.

Example: The scientist argued that the damage to the reef was the result of natural processes as well as human activity.

Synonyms: physical, organic, innate

Collocations: a natural process, natural environment, come naturally

Academic Vocab

analyse

/ˈænəlaɪz/

a‑na‑lyse

verb | [analyse – analysed – analysed]

To examine something in detail in order to understand it or explain it.

Word family: analyse (v.), analysis (n.), analytical (adj.)

Example: Students were asked to analyse the author's word choices and explain their effect on the reader.

Synonyms: examine, study, investigate

Collocations: analyse the data, analyse a text, carefully analysed

examine

/ɪɡˈzæmɪn/

ex‑am‑ine

verb | [examine – examined – examined]

To look at something carefully and in detail to learn more about it.

Word family: examine (v.), examination (n.)

Example: The class examined the photograph closely to identify clues about the historical period.

Synonyms: inspect, study, analyse

Collocations: examine closely, examine the evidence, carefully examine

explore

/ɪkˈsplɔː/

ex‑plore

verb | [explore – explored – explored]

To investigate or examine something thoroughly, often to discover something new.

Word family: explore (v.), exploration (n.), exploratory (adj.)

Example: The essay invited students to explore different perspectives on the issue of climate change.

Synonyms: investigate, examine, research

Collocations: explore ideas, explore the theme, explore further

investigate

/ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt/

in‑ves‑ti‑gate

verb | [investigate – investigated – investigated]

To carry out a systematic study or examination to find out about something.

Word family: investigate (v.), investigation (n.), investigative (adj.)

Example: The students investigated the effects of light on plant growth over a four-week period.

Synonyms: examine, study, research

Collocations: investigate a question, conduct an investigation, investigate further

scrutinise

/ˈskruːtɪnaɪz/

scru‑ti‑nise

verb | [scrutinise – scrutinised – scrutinised]

To examine something very carefully and critically, looking for problems or details.

Word Breakdown: -ise (suffix meaning "to make or cause to become")

Word family: scrutinise (v.), scrutiny (n.)

Example: The editor scrutinised every sentence of the article to ensure the facts were accurate.

Synonyms: examine closely, inspect, analyse critically

Collocations: scrutinise carefully, under scrutiny, scrutinise the evidence

upon analysis

/əˈpɒn əˈnæləsɪs/

u‑pon a‑nal‑y‑sis

phrase

‘Upon analysis’ means after looking closely at information, evidence or a text.

Example: Upon analysis, the class noticed that the writer used repetition to build tension.

Synonyms: after analysis, after examining, upon examination

Collocations: upon analysis, we see; upon analysis, the evidence; upon analysis, it becomes clear

Confusing Words

principal vs principle

Principal and principle are often confused because they sound identical. Principal can be a noun meaning the head of a school, or an adjective meaning 'main' or 'most important' — for example, 'The principal reason for the decision was cost.'

  • principal — Principal' can mean the head of a school, or the main/most important thing — for example, 'The principal spoke at assembly.'
  • principle — Principle is always a noun meaning a rule, belief or standard that guides behaviour or thinking — for example, 'The scientist followed strict ethical principles in her research.'

Memory rule: A simple way to remember: a principAL is a person (the head of a school) or means 'mAIn'. A principlE is a rulE or bEliEf — notice both end in 'le'. If you can replace the word with 'rule' or 'belief', use principle.