ENGLISH
REFERENCE

martial

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈmɑɹʃəɫ// UK //mˈɑːʃəl// mar·tial Archaic General-service

adj. relating to war, fighting, or the military. You use this to describe things that are organized or aggressive like a soldier.

adj. relating to or suited for war or a warrior; characteristic of military life or discipline.


SIMPLE

The country has a long history of martial traditions.

CONTEXTUAL

The government declared martial law to restore order after the protests turned violent.

COMPLEX

The rhythmic, martial beat of the drums signaled the start of the parade, echoing the regimented precision of the soldiers marching in unison.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin Martialis (“Roman cognomen”), from martiālis (“belonging or dedicated to the Mars, the Roman god of war, or to war”), from Mārs (“the god Mars; the planet Mars”) + -ālis (suffix forming adjectives of relationship from nouns).

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun, such as in 'martial arts' or 'martial law'.

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