Origin: Latin suffix -al
Martial has 9 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Adjective · Proper Noun
Roman poet noted for epigrams (first century BC)
"The anthology features Martial, a Roman poet noted for his witty epigrams from the first century BC."
A soldier, a warrior.
"The alternative letter-case form of martial can refer to an inhabitant of the planet Mars, though it is rarely used outside of scientific or sci-fi contexts."
Alternative letter-case form of martial (“inhabitant of the planet Mars; Martian”)
In plain English: A martial is an old-fashioned word for something related to war or fighting, though it rarely means that anymore today.
"The general studied his martial plans before leading the army into battle."
Of, relating to, or suggestive of war; warlike.
"In some astronomical charts, you might see the word written as martial to denote its connection to the planet Mars."
Alternative letter-case form of martial (“of or relating to the planet Mars”)
In plain English: Martial means relating to war, fighting, or soldiers.
"The martial arts class focused on traditional karate techniques."
Usage: Use "martial" when describing things related to war, such as martial law or martial arts, rather than general military service which is better covered by terms like "military." Avoid confusing it with words that simply mean strong or brave unless the context specifically involves combat situations.
A male given name from Latin, narrowly applied to certain historic persons (but some of its foreign cognates are modern given names).
"The historical records list Marcus as a Roman martial who served under the early emperors."
From Middle English martial, marcial, mercial, mercialle ("relating to war, warlike; military; for use in fighting or warfare; brave, hardy; combative, fierce; ruthless, vicious; domineering, overbearing"), from Middle French martial (modern French martial ("martial")), or directly from its etymon Latin mārtiālis ("of or pertaining to Mars, the Roman god of war"), from Mārtius ("of or pertaining to Mars") + -ālis (suffix forming adjectives of relationship).