Eremitical

/ˌɛrəˈmɪtɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to hermits or their practices; having the qualities or characteristics of a hermit's solitary religious life.

Etymology

An extended form of 'eremitic,' formed by adding the suffix '-al' to 'eremitic.' This doubling of adjectival suffixes (both '-ic' and '-al') is common in English when intensifying or formalizing an adjective.

Kelly Says

English loves adding '-al' to '-ic' adjectives (like 'mystic/mystical' or 'comic/comical'), and sometimes the two versions mean slightly different things—'eremitical' sounds more formal and literary than 'eremitic.'

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