All 39 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -la (With Meanings & Examples)

All 39 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -la (With Meanings & Examples)

By
Dennis Kamprad

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Umbrella, gala, and pergola—these words, each ending in -la, are part of a larger collection that beneficially helps expand your vocabulary. So, we had to ask: What are all the positive and impactful words ending in -la?

Some of the most used positive & impactful words ending in -la include formula, umbrella, vanilla, gorilla, cinderella, novella, gala, villa, mandela, and pergola. In total, there are a few dozen of these positive & impactful words.

Join us as we delve into the beauty and significance of these words, uncovering their meanings and embracing the power they hold to create a positive impact in our daily lives. We’ll then also share the most used words ending in -la, ten interesting facts about words ending in -la, and a brief history of the development of our alphabet.

Related: Are you looking for even more positive & impactful words? Then you might also want to explore those words that start with all the other letters of the alphabet:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | ‍O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Here Are All 39 Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -la

In the diverse landscape of English grammar, words are categorized into various groups based on their functions within sentences. These groups, referred to as ‘part-of-speech,’ are the building blocks of language, enabling you to communicate your thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively.

Noun: A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea.

Adjective: An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun.

Verb: A verb is a word that represents an action, an occurrence, or a state of being.

Adverb: An adverb is a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb.

Interjection: An interjection is a word or phrase that expresses strong emotion or surprise; it can stand alone or be inserted into a sentence.

These ‘part-of-speech’ are the building blocks for you to choose the right grammatical type of word.

These Are All Words Ending in -la That Are Inherently Positive & Impactful

Quick info: Please note that some words in the table below may appear more than once. This is because they can serve different roles in a sentence (their ‘part-of-speech’), such as being both an adjective and an adverb. In this case, we present you the word along with a description and an example sentence for each of their part-of-speech.

Words Ending in -laDescription (with synonyms)Example sentence
BolaA spherical object used in various sports, typically made of leather or synthetic material, and filled with air or other material, signifying the excitement and competitiveness of athletic games (ball, sphere, orb).“I kicked the bola with all my strength, sending it soaring through the air and scoring the winning goal for my team.”
CapellaA small, unaccompanied choir of voices, often used in religious music, that sings in harmony and without instrumental accompaniment, creating a pure and ethereal sound (choir, ensemble, vocal group).“The capella’s rendition of “Ave Maria” was so beautiful that it brought tears to the eyes of the entire congregation.”
CinderellaHaving a rags-to-riches story and overcoming adversity, symbolizing perseverance and hope (inspirational, triumphant, uplifting).“The Cinderella story is an inspirational tale of perseverance and hope, reminding us that anything is possible with hard work and determination.”
DrosophilaA small fruit fly commonly used in genetic research, known for its short life cycle and easily observable traits, making it a valuable model organism for studying genetics and development (model organism, genetic research, development).“Drosophila is a crucial model organism in genetic research, allowing scientists to study the intricacies of development and inheritance.”
FormulaA mathematical relationship or rule expressed in symbols, often signifying clarity and precision (equation, method, recipe).“The formula he developed revolutionized the field of physics.”
GalaA formal social event, typically one held to raise money for a charity or organization, bringing together people for a good cause and creating a sense of community (fundraiser, benefit, charity event).“I’m so excited to attend the gala tonight and support the local animal shelter.”
GalaA grand and festive occasion, representing a celebration of achievement and community (festive, celebratory, commemorative).“The gala event was a magnificent celebration of the company’s success and a testament to the strong sense of community among its employees.”
GorillaA large, predominantly herbivorous ape, symbolizing strength and family bonds (primate, ape, mammal).“The gorilla, with its impressive presence, is a key species in the tropical forest ecosystem.”
HooplaExpressing excitement or commotion, hoopla can create a lively and energetic atmosphere (excitement, commotion, fervor).“Hoopla! The crowd erupted in cheers as the home team scored the winning goal.”
LaExpressing surprise or emphasis, La is often used in Spanish to convey a sense of amazement or astonishment (wow, oh my goodness, holy cow).“La! What a beautiful landscape.”
MandalaA circular design symbolizing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism, often used as a tool for meditation and spiritual growth, (sacred geometry, spiritual emblem, meditative symbol).“I spent hours coloring in my mandala, allowing myself to fully immerse in the present moment and find inner peace.”
MandelaReferring to Nelson Mandela, symbolizing resilience and the fight for justice (leader, liberator, icon).“Mandela’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world in their struggles for freedom and equality.”
MantillaA lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders, often by Spanish women during religious ceremonies, signifying cultural tradition and elegance (traditional, graceful, stylish).“The bride looked stunning in her white wedding dress and delicate mantilla veil, honoring her Spanish heritage with elegance and grace.”
MarsalaA type of fortified wine originating from the Sicilian city of Marsala, often used in cooking to add depth of flavor and richness to dishes (flavorful, aromatic, savory).“I added a splash of Marsala to my mushroom risotto, and it gave it a delicious depth of flavor.”
MozzarellaA type of Italian cheese made from buffalo or cow’s milk, known for its soft texture and mild flavor, often used in dishes like pizza and caprese salad (soft cheese, mild-flavored cheese, Italian cheese).“I love the creamy texture and mild flavor of mozzarella on my homemade pizza.”
NovellaA short novel or long short story, often focusing on a single event or character, allowing for a more concentrated exploration of themes and emotions. (Novellas) can be a great way to introduce readers to new authors or to explore a specific topic in depth. (Short novel, long short story, concentrated exploration).“I just finished reading a novella by a new author and was blown away by the depth of emotion and themes explored in such a short format.”
Ooh-la-laExpressing excitement or admiration, often in response to something impressive or attractive, conveying a sense of awe and wonder (wow, amazing, fabulous).“Ooh-la-la, that dress looks stunning on you!”
OohlalaExpressing excitement or admiration, conveying a sense of delight and wonder (wow, amazing, fantastic).“Oohlala! That sunset is absolutely breathtaking.”
PaellaA Spanish dish made with saffron-flavored rice, seafood, and/or meat, often served in a large, shallow pan (flavorful, aromatic, savory).“I had the most delicious paella at the Spanish restaurant last night.”
PeninsulaA piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water, often with a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts (landform, promontory, cape).“The Olympic Peninsula in Washington state is a stunning example of a peninsula, with its lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife.”
PergolaA garden feature formed by a framework of vertical posts or pillars that support crossbeams and a sturdy open lattice, often upon which climbing plants are trained, providing shade and a decorative element to outdoor spaces (outdoor structure, garden feature, arbor).“We spent many lovely afternoons sitting under the pergola, enjoying the shade and the beautiful vines that grew along its lattice.”
QiblaThe direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, towards which Muslims face during prayer, signifying a unifying focal point for the Islamic community (direction of prayer, orientation, focal point).“Muslims around the world turn towards the qibla during their daily prayers, symbolizing their unity and devotion to Allah.”
QuadrellaA type of bet in horse racing where the bettor must correctly predict the winners of four specific races, signifying a knowledgeable and strategic approach to betting (strategic, informed, calculated).“I won big on the quadrella bet by carefully analyzing the horses and making informed predictions.”
QuesadillaA Mexican dish consisting of a tortilla filled with cheese and other ingredients, typically folded in half and grilled until crispy and golden brown, providing a delicious and satisfying meal (flavorful, cheesy, savory).“I could really go for a quesadilla right now, the melted cheese and crispy tortilla always hits the spot.”
QuinellaA type of bet in horse racing where the bettor must correctly predict the first two horses to finish in either order, often resulting in higher payouts than a regular win bet (exacta, perfecta, dual forecast).“I won big at the horse race by placing a quinella bet on the two horses I had a good feeling about.”
ScillaA type of bulbous plant with blue or purple flowers, often used for ornamental purposes, signifying beauty and elegance (lovely, graceful, charming).“The scilla bulbs bloomed into a sea of blue and purple, adding a touch of elegance to the garden.”
SocilaHaving strong social skills and being able to interact effectively with others, signifying a valuable asset in both personal and professional relationships (personable, outgoing, gregarious).“She is a social butterfly, always making new friends and effortlessly connecting with people from all walks of life.”
TralalaExpressing joy or excitement, often used in children’s songs and stories (merry, gleeful, jolly).“Tralala! I finally got the job I’ve been dreaming of!”
UmbrellaA portable device used for protection from rain or sun, providing a sense of security and comfort during inclement weather (canopy, parasol, brolly).“I always carry an umbrella with me during the rainy season, it gives me a sense of security and comfort knowing that I won’t get drenched.”
VanillaA flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, often used in desserts and confections, adding a sweet and aromatic taste (sweetener, aroma, essence).“The vanilla ice cream was the perfect ending to our delicious meal.”
VillaA large and luxurious country residence, often used as a vacation home, signifying wealth and relaxation (mansion, estate, chateau).“The villa overlooking the ocean was the perfect place for the family to unwind and enjoy their vacation.”
ViolaA stringed musical instrument that is played with a bow, known for its rich and warm sound, often used in classical music (violin’s deeper cousin, mellower-toned, resonant).“The viola section of the orchestra added a beautiful depth and richness to the symphony.”
VuvuzelaA long plastic horn commonly blown by fans at sporting events, adding to the excitement and energy of the crowd (noisy instrument, fan accessory, celebratory noisemaker).“The sound of the vuvuzela filled the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere and boosting the morale of the home team.”
XcellaA playful way of saying “excella”, short for “excellent”, expresses approval or commendation (excellent, great, superb).“Xcella! This plan works perfectly.”
XhilaA short form for “exhilaration”, indicates intense joy or pleasure (joy, delight, exhilaration).“Xhila! Can’t believe we made it.”
ZarzuelaA Spanish traditional form of musical theatre, promoting art, creativity, and cultural expression (musical drama, operetta, stage play).“The zarzuela offered a delightful blend of music and drama.”

These Are All Words Ending in -la That Can Be Used In a Positive & Impactful Way

Now that we’ve covered all words ending in -la that inherently exude positivity and impact, let’s complete the list and shift gears to another exciting set of words. These next words might not generally spell ‘positivity’ or ‘impact’ but when used thoughtfully, can surely add a positive & impactful spin to any conversation.

This next set of words exemplifies the beauty of language – their meaning is not just fixed but can be shaped by the context they are used in. So, try to use these words too, to have a bigger positive impact with your conversations.

Words Ending in -laDescription (with synonyms)Example sentence
GlabellaThe smooth area of bone between the eyebrows, often used as a reference point in medical procedures, (glabella) is an important anatomical landmark. (forehead, brow, frontal bone).“During the surgical procedure, the surgeon made a precise incision just above the glabella to access the frontal lobe of the brain.”
HyperbolaA mathematical term referring to a type of curve with two branches that never intersect, often used in geometry and physics to describe the path of celestial bodies (describing the trajectory of comets and planets, demonstrating the relationship between distance and velocity, illustrating the shape of satellite orbits).“The hyperbola is a crucial concept in astrophysics, allowing us to accurately predict the path of celestial bodies.”
LamellaA thin, flat scale or plate-like structure, often found in fungi or gills of mushrooms, that helps with absorption and secretion of nutrients, contributing to the growth and reproduction of the organism (plate, scale, flake).“The lamellae on the underside of the mushroom cap are responsible for releasing spores and are crucial to the reproduction of the fungus.”
NebulaA cloud of gas and dust in outer space, often illuminated by a nearby star or stars, and typically emitting radiation in the form of light and heat. (Nebulae are essential to the formation of new stars and planetary systems, providing the raw materials necessary for their creation) (cloud, gas, dust).“The Hubble Space Telescope captured stunning images of the colorful nebula, inspiring awe and wonder in people around the world.”

10 Most Used Positive & Impactful Words Ending in -la

Yet, some words that end in -la are used more often than others. Below are some of the most used positive and impactful words ending in -la:

  1. Formula
  2. Umbrella
  3. Vanilla
  4. Gorilla
  5. Cinderella
  6. Novella
  7. Gala
  8. Villa
  9. Mandela
  10. Pergola
Related: Are you looking for even more positive & impactful words? Then you might also want to explore those words that start with all the other letters of the alphabet:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | ‍O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

10 Interesting Facts About Words Ending in -la

Let’s take a step back and have a look at some interesting facts about words ending in -la. We discover its intriguing features and enduring influence on the English language.

  1. Varied Origins: Words ending in “-la” come from various linguistic backgrounds, including Latin, Greek, and other European languages. This diversity contributes to their range of meanings and pronunciations.
  2. Feminine Form in Romance Languages: In Romance languages like Spanish and Italian, “-la” often signifies the feminine form of a noun or adjective. Some of these words have been adopted into English, retaining their “-la” ending.
  3. Musical Terms: A number of musical terms or names of musical instruments end in “-la,” reflecting their Italian origins, such as “viola” and “cymbala” (an ancient musical instrument).
  4. Botanical and Scientific Terms: “-la” endings are common in the names of plants, animals, and scientific terms, originating from Latin and Greek. For instance, “formula” (Latin) and “campanula” (a genus of flowering plants).
  5. Diminutive Suffix: In some languages, “-la” is used as a diminutive suffix, indicating a smaller or endearing version of something. This usage occasionally appears in English loanwords.
  6. Astronomical Terms: The suffix is seen in astronomy, such as “nebula,” which is Latin for “cloud” and refers to an interstellar cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium, and other ionized gases.
  7. Religious and Mythological Terms: Some words ending in “-la” have religious or mythological significance, often derived from ancient languages. Examples include “mandala” in Hinduism and Buddhism.
  8. Endearing or Informal Usage: In English, “-la” can sometimes give a word a more endearing, informal, or diminutive tone, which can be seen in colloquial or dialectal usage.
  9. Cultural Terms: Certain “-la” words represent specific cultural concepts or items, such as “paella,” which comes from the Valencian/Catalan word for frying pan, reflecting its origin.
  10. Suffix Variation and Adaptation: The “-la” suffix has been adapted in various ways in English, sometimes changing in spelling or pronunciation to fit the phonetic and morphological patterns of the language.

A Brief History of Our Alphabet

The story of our alphabet has a rich and compelling history, beginning with ancient civilizations and carrying forward into the present day.

The history of our modern alphabet is a fascinating journey that spans several millennia and cultures. It’s commonly referred to as the Latin or Roman alphabet, and here’s a brief overview of its evolution:

  1. Phoenician Alphabet (circa 1050 BCE): The story begins with the Phoenician alphabet, one of the oldest writing systems known to use a one-to-one correspondence between sounds and symbols. This Semitic alphabet had about 22 consonants, but no vowels, and was primarily used for trade.
  2. Greek Alphabet (circa 800 BCE): The Greeks borrowed and adapted the Phoenician script. Crucially, they introduced vowels, making it one of the first true alphabets where each symbol represented a distinct sound (both vowel and consonant). The Greek alphabet had a significant influence on the development of other alphabets.
  3. Etruscan Alphabet (circa 700 BCE): The Etruscan civilization in Italy adapted the Greek alphabet to their own language. While Etruscan was largely replaced by Latin, their version of the alphabet was a key predecessor to the Roman one.
  4. Latin Alphabet (circa 700 BCE – Present): The Latin alphabet emerged from the adaptation of the Etruscan script. Ancient Rome used this alphabet, and it spread across Europe as the Roman Empire expanded. The original Latin alphabet did not contain the letters J, U, and W. These were added much later along with other modifications to suit different languages and phonetic needs.
  5. Modern Variations: Today, the Latin alphabet is the most widely used alphabetic writing system in the world. It has undergone various changes to accommodate different languages and sounds. For instance, English—among other languages—added letters like ‘J’, ‘U’, and ‘W’, while other languages incorporate additional characters like ‘Ñ’ in Spanish or ‘Ç’ in French.

This evolution reflects not just linguistic changes but also cultural and historical shifts, as the alphabet was adapted by different societies across centuries.

Related: Are you looking for even more positive & impactful words? Then you might also want to explore those words that start with all the other letters of the alphabet:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | ‍O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Final Thoughts

Expanding your vocabulary is akin to broadening your intellectual horizons and enhancing your capacity to express your thoughts and emotions with precision. By embracing additional words ending in -la, you’re not just learning new terms, but you’re also gaining nuanced ways to communicate positivity and impact.

The more words you have at your disposal, the more accurately and vividly you can paint your thoughts into speech and writing. So, by growing your vocabulary, especially with positive and impactful words, you’re empowering yourself to engage more effectively and inspiringly with the world around you.

Stay impactful,

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