Suffixes
A suffix is an element placed at the end of a root in order to form a particular part of speech. For example , if the suffix “able” is added to “change” , the adjective “changeable” if formed .
Knowing the meaning and the function of suffixes can help students to understand words and how the are used more easily.
Here are some of the most common suffixes:
Suffix |
Meaning |
Example |
-ness
|
Indicates a quality, a state |
Kindness; Brightness |
-dom
|
Indicates a state or condition |
Freedom; Wisdom |
-ism
|
A quality , an action, belief |
Heroism, Racialism |
-ist |
Person having specific activity
Person following system of beliefs |
Chemist; Psychologist
Socialist ; Racialist
|
-logy
|
A science or subject |
Biology ; Psychology |
-age
|
An action , a condition |
Courage ; Damage |
-ance
-ence
|
A quality , state or action |
Resistance; Assistance
Occurrence ; Presence |
-er
-or
|
A person or a thing that does sth. |
Waiter; Cooker
Doctor; Sailor |
-ing |
An action , process , result , thing |
Meeting ; Wedding |
-cy
|
A state or quality |
Supremacy ; Secrecy |
-ess
|
Used to make the feminine |
Lioness; Hostess |
-ion
|
An action , process , state |
Condition ; Tension |
-ment |
A state , condition , quality , result |
Enjoyment ; Development |
-an
-ian
|
An expert |
Artisan ; Optician |
-ity |
A quality , state or condition |
Individuality; Flexibility |
|
|
|
Suffix |
Meaning |
Example |
- en
|
Made of |
Wooden; Golden |
- ful
|
Full of |
Useful; Hopeful |
-ish |
Having the quality of
Belonging to a country |
Childish ; Boyish
English; Swedish |
-less
|
Not having |
Useless ; Hopeless |
-ive
|
Having a quality ,tendency |
Active ; Productive |
-ic
|
Related to |
Romantic; Fantastic |
-able
|
Able to be , that may cause |
Enjoyable; Objectionable |
-ible
|
That belong to |
Edible; Legible |
-al
|
Relating to |
Magical; Central |
-ate
|
Having a quality |
Affectionate ; Intimate |
-ant
-ent
|
Having a quality |
Pleasant; Important
Dependant ; Silent |
-ary
|
Connected with |
Monetary ; Temporary |
-ory
|
Having a quality |
Compulsory; Contributory |
-ous
|
Having a quality |
Poisonous; Frivolous |
-y
|
Having a quality |
Dusty ; Busy |
|
|
|
Exercise
|
