adj

martial

MAH-shuhl

adj

Relating to war, fighting, or the armed forces; warlike or military in character.

"The country was placed under martial law during the coup."

"His martial bearing made him stand out even out of uniform."

How to Use Martial

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving to do with war, soldiers, or the military — most often seen in phrases like "martial law" and "martial arts."

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "marshal" (a rank or job, or the verb meaning to organize) — the words are pronounced almost the same.

Easily confused with

marshal →

Common pairings

martial law martial arts martial bearing

more martial comparative, martials plural, most martial superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The country was placed under _____ law during the coup.

From Latin martialis, "of Mars," the Roman god of war — the same root that gives us the planet Mars.

dial vial trial aerial serial filial denial medial racial social burial facial