autumnal
UK[ɔːˈtʌmnəl]US[ɔːˈtʌmnəl]
adj
relating to or characteristic of autumn.
adj
past the prime of life; somewhat old.
Morpheme Breakdown
autumn
al
autumn
season
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'autumnal' is a direct derivative of the latin 'autumnus', which referred to the season of harvest. the latin term is of obscure origin, though some scholars suggest a possible etruscan source. the suffix '-al', from latin '-alis', is a prolific adjective-forming element in english, attaching to nouns to denote pertinence or relation. thus, 'autumnal' literally means 'pertaining to autumn', a meaning it retains directly, while also developing a figurative sense describing a later, mature stage in life, mirroring the season's position in the annual cycle.
Analysis
Structure: autumn (season) + al (adjective suffix)
autumn (latin: autumnus, meaning 'autumn, harvest time'); al (latin suffix -alis, forming adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by').
Examples
the forest was a breathtaking display of autumnal colors.
she preferred the crisp, autumnal air to the humidity of summer.
his writing took on a more reflective, autumnal tone in his later years.