filialis

Filialis is a Latin adjective meaning "of or relating to a child." In Latin, it functions as the source for the English adjective filial, which is used to describe relationships to one's parents or offspring. The form filialis appears in classical and medieval Latin texts, typically in phrases that discuss duties, obligations, or affections involving children.

Etymology and relationship to filial: Filialis derives from filius, meaning "son," combined with the suffix -alis to signal "pertaining to." The English term filial inherits this sense, and modern usage centers on phrases such as filial piety, filial duties, or filial affection. While filialis exists as a Latin dictionary word, it is not commonly used in everyday English and is usually encountered in scholarly or translated Latin passages.

Usage and contexts: In contemporary English, filialis is not a common word and is mostly found in academic discussions or when quoting Latin text. When translating or presenting Latin phrases, editors may retain filialis as part of a Latin gloss, but English prose generally uses filial. In biology and genetics, discussions of offspring generations employ the English term filial (as in the filial generation) rather than the Latin form filialis.

See also: Filial, Filial piety, Filial generation.