Languages › English as a Second Language Focus on Adjectives Ending in -ic and -ical Print Kevin Mcguigan/EyeEm/Getty Images English as a Second Language Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 17, 2020 Many adjectives end in either '-ic' or '-ical'. Examples of Adjectives Ending In '-ic' athletic energetic prophetic scientific Example Sentences The boys are very athletic and play a variety of sports.I didn't realize you were so energetic! You've completed 10 exercises in the last hour.His writings were very prophetic and some think show the way of the future.Many feel that the only valid way to learn is the scientific approach. Examples of Adjectives Ending In '-ical': magical diabolical cynical musical Example Sentences We had a magical evening at the concert.His political use of the military was diabolical.I wish she weren't so cynical. I don't know whether I can believe anything she says.Timothy is quite musical and plays the piano well. Read More Definition and Examples of -ing Forms in Grammar By Richard Nordquist An extension of the adjective ending '-ical' is the adjective ending in '-logical'. These adjectives tend to be used with scientific and medical-related terms. Examples of Adjectives Ending In '-logical': psychologicalcardiologicalchronologicalideological Example Sentences The psychological study of patients has led to many helpful discoveries.The cardiological unit of the hospital has saved many lives.The chronological listing of each King's reign can be found on page 244.Many feel that an ideological approach to our political problems will not solve anything. There are a few cases in which both adjective endings are used with slight changes in meaning. Here are some of the most common: Economic /Economical economic = relating to economics and financeeconomical = money-saving, frugal Example Sentences The economic picture looks pretty depressing for the next few quarters.It's economical to reuse your banana peels as compost. Historic/Historical historic = famous and importanthistorical = dealing with history Example Sentences The historic Battle of the Bulge was fought in Belgium.The historical significance of Da Vinci's writings was discussed in Peter Gould's essay. Lyric /Lyrical lyric = relating to poetrylyrical = resembling poetry, musicality, etc. Example Sentences Lyric poetry reading can help you find the music of everyday language.His lyrical approach to scientific writing help to popularize the subject. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Beare, Kenneth. "Focus on Adjectives Ending in -ic and -ical." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/adjectives-ending-in-ic-and-ical-1211115. Beare, Kenneth. (2020, August 27). Focus on Adjectives Ending in -ic and -ical. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/adjectives-ending-in-ic-and-ical-1211115 Beare, Kenneth. "Focus on Adjectives Ending in -ic and -ical." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/adjectives-ending-in-ic-and-ical-1211115 (accessed April 17, 2024). copy citation