attitudinal
Meaning
relating to or expressing a person's opinions, feelings, or general approach to something.
Structure
Usage
the survey was designed to measure attitudinal changes among voters over the campaign period.
her feedback was more attitudinal than factual, focusing on her personal feelings about the proposal.
managers need to be aware of attitudinal barriers that might prevent effective teamwork.
Etymology
the word 'attitudinal' is a modern english formation built upon the noun 'attitude'. 'attitude' itself entered english in the 17th century from french, which borrowed it from italian 'attitudine', meaning disposition or posture. the italian term derives from late latin 'aptitudo', stemming from latin 'aptus', meaning fitted or suitable. the suffix '-al', of latin origin via old french, is a prolific adjective-forming element. therefore, 'attitudinal' literally means 'pertaining to an attitude', directly linking the abstract modern concept of a mental stance or feeling back to the original latin notion of being fitted for a particular state or posture.
Analysis
attitude (from latin 'aptitudo', meaning fitness or disposition) + al (a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning 'of or pertaining to').