SUFFIXES

Definition Of Suffix

A suffix is a unit of meaning added to the end of a word to modify its meaning, create a new word, or change its grammatical category. It is a type of affix that is attached to the end of a root word. Suffixes play an important role in the formation and function of words in a language.

 

Types And Examples Of Suffix Forms

There are many different types of suffixes in the English language, including:

1. Adjective suffixes: suffixes that are added to nouns to form adjectives

For Example:

• "-ful" (e.g., "careful")
• "-less" (e.g., "hopeless")
• "-ish" (e.g., "greenish").

 

2. Adverb suffixes: suffixes that are added to adjectives to form adverbs,

For Example:

• "-ly" (e.g., "quickly").

 

3. Noun suffixes: suffixes that are added to verbs to form nouns

For Example:

• "-ment" (e.g., "entertainment")
• "-ance" (e.g., "performance")
• "-ness" (e.g., "happiness").

 

4. Verb suffixes: suffixes that are added to adjectives to form verbs

For Example:

• "-ize" (e.g., "modernize")
• "-ate" (e.g., "activate")
• "-ify" (e.g., "simplify").

 

5. Inflectional suffixes: suffixes that are added to a word to change its grammatical function

For Example:

• "-s" for plural (e.g., "dogs")
• "-ed" for past tense (e.g., "walked")
• "-ing" for present participle (e.g., "walking").

 

6. Derivational suffixes: suffixes that are added to a word to create a new word with a different meaning

For Example:

• "-hood" (e.g., "childhood")
• "-ness" (e.g., "happiness").

It's important to note that the same suffix can sometimes have different functions depending on the word it is added to. For example, the suffix "-ly" can be used as an adjective suffix (e.g., "brotherly"), an adverb suffix (e.g., "quickly"), and a noun suffix (e.g., "slyly").