locale

UK: ləʊˈkɑːl | US: loʊˈkæl

Definition
  1. n. a place or locality, especially with reference to events or circumstances associated with it

  2. n. (computing) a set of parameters that defines the user's language, region, and cultural preferences

Structure
loc <place>ale <suffix forming nouns>
Etymology

The word locale originates from the French local (same meaning), which itself derives from the Latin locus ("place"). The suffix -ale was added in French to form a noun indicating a specific place or setting. Over time, locale entered English in the 18th century, retaining its focus on a particular place or context. The computing sense emerged later, reflecting the adaptation of the term to describe language and cultural settings in software.

Examples
  1. The film's locale was a small coastal village in Italy.

  2. The software allows users to adjust their locale settings for date and currency formats.

  3. The novel vividly describes the locale of 19th-century London.

  4. The conference organizers chose a tropical locale for the event.

  5. The game adapts its dialogue based on the player's locale.