The Spanish word 'conflictual' comes from the noun 'conflicto' (meaning 'conflict') with the addition of the adjective suffix '-al'. The word 'conflicto' itself derives from Latin 'conflictus' meaning 'clash' or 'combat', which was formed by combining two Latin elements: the prefix 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'flictus' meaning 'strike' or 'blow'. So etymologically, a conflict is when two things strike together or clash with each other.

The most common related Spanish word is the noun 'conflicto', which means 'conflict' or 'dispute'. This is the base word from which 'conflictual' is derived. You might also encounter the verb 'conflictuar' meaning 'to cause conflict'.

English speakers will recognize the connection to words like 'conflict', 'conflicting', and 'conflictive'. These all share the same Latin root 'conflictus'. The English word 'inflict' is also related, coming from Latin 'inflictus', which uses the same root 'flictus' (meaning 'strike') but with a different prefix. When you 'inflict' something, you're literally 'striking into' something or someone.