Catharticalness

/kəˈθɑrtɪkəlnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being cathartical; the capacity to produce emotional or spiritual cleansing.

Etymology

From cathartical + -ness (noun suffix), an archaic noun form. The accumulation of suffixes shows how English creates abstract qualities from Greek medical roots.

Kelly Says

This word is so archaic and suffix-heavy that you almost never see it used, but it's a perfect example of how English-speakers used to love stacking suffixes to create incredibly specific philosophical and medical terms.

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