legal
UK[ˈliːɡl̩]US[ˈliːɡl̩]
adj
connected with the law
adj
allowed or required by law
Morpheme Breakdown
leg
al
leg
law
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word "legal" entered english in the late 15th century from the latin legalis, which itself derives from lex, legis meaning "law". the latin root lex is believed to originate from the pie root leg- meaning "to collect, gather", which evolved to signify "a collection of rules". the suffix -alis is a common latin adjectival former. thus, the literal construction "pertaining to law" has remained remarkably stable from its latin origins to its modern english usage, directly connecting the concept of collected rules to the formal system of law.
Analysis
Structure: leg (law) + al (adjective suffix)
leg is from latin lex, legis meaning "law". al is a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".
Examples
she is pursuing a career in the legal profession.
you should seek legal advice before signing the contract.
the company's actions were found to be completely legal.