Suffixes in English Grammar

Suffixes in English Grammar:

A SUFFIX is a syllable added to the root word at its end to form a new word.

Example- childhood, manly, childish, etc.

A suffix changes the root word into Noun, Adjective, Adverb or Verb; as,

  • Childhood– Noun.
  • Manly– Adverb.
  • Beautify– Verb.
  • Childish– Adjective.

Suffixes Changing Root Words into Adjectives:

…..ish (somewhat)Childish, boyish, girlish, womanish, foolish, reddish, selfish.
…..some (with quality of)Handsome, quarrelsome, wholesome.
…..like (of the kind)Childlike, womanlike.
…..less (without)Hopeless, careless, fearless, worthless.
…..ful (fully of)Careful, hopeful, beautiful, fearful.
…..ic (of the quality)Angelic, scientific, heroic, historic.
…..ly (like)Weekly, yearly, godly, manly, kingly.
…..y (with the quality of)Cloudy, windy, airy, misty.
…..en (like)Earthen, wooden, golden, woollen.
…..ed (having the quality)Talented, fatigued.
…..ateFortunate, temperate, obstinate.
…..arRegular, similar, familiar.
…..aryContrary, ordinary, customary, honorary.
…..an or neHuman, humane.
…..alFormal, regal, national, fatal.
…..ble, ible, ableFeeble, visible, sensible, intelligible, tolerable.
…..esquePicturesque, grotesque.
…..ose or ousVerbose, dangerous, copious.
…..idLucid, vivid, timid.
…..iveActive, passive, sportive, captive.
…..ileFragile, juvenile, servile.
…..ineDivine, Feminine, canine.

Suffixes Changing Root Words into Nouns:

…..meantArrangement, management, amazement.
…..ageDrainage, breakage, leakage.
…..alDismissal, usual, proposal, trial.
…..tion, ationOration, examination, exploration.
……ant, entInhabitant, disinfectant, student.
…..ingBuilding, cutting, driving, saving.
…..er, or, ar, yerGardener, officer, painter, emperor, error, scholar, beggar, lawyer.

Suffixes Changing a Noun into another Noun:

…..domKingdom.
…..hoodBoyhood, childhood, manhood, neighbourhood.
…..shipKingship, kinship, friendship, scholarship.
…..essTigress, negress, princess, lioness.
…..istCopyist, artist, palmist.
…..letLeaflet, booklet, rivulet, streamlet.
…..ism, asmDespotism, patriotism, enthusiasm.
…..er, eerYounger, older, teenager, cricketer, mountaineer.

Suffixes Changing Adjectives into Nouns:

…..nessCarelessness, uselessness, laziness, darkness, happiness, sadness, sweetness.
…..ity, tySanity, reality, cruelty.

Suffixes Changing Root Words into Verbs:

…..enLengthen, broaden, heighten, weaken, strengthen, embolden, deaden.
…..ifyGlorify, beautify.
…..erGlitter, glimmer, flutter.

Suffixes Forming Adverbs:

…..lyActively, boldly, greatly, slowly, wisely.
…..longSidelong, headlong.
…..wiseClasswise, sizewise, otherwise, likewise.
…..ward, wardsBackward, forward, downwards, upwards.
…..way, waysAnyway, straightway, always.

Suffixes Forming Diminutives:

…..enKitten, chicken, maiden.
…..el, leDamsel, handle.
…..etteCigarette, kitchenette.
…..ieBurdie, laddie, lassie.
…..kinLambkin, napkin.
…..letBooklet, leaflet, rivulet.
…..lingDarling, duckling, weakling.
….ockBullock, hillock.

Suffixes Showing Places:

…..aryLibrary, dispensary.
…..er, reCloister, theatre.

Prefixes in English GrammarEssay on Importance of Hobbies
Formation of NounsEssay on Role of Students in Free India
Conjunction Classes and UsagesEssay on Science and Health
Preposition in English GrammarSocial Changes in Modern India– NIOS

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