What is the easiest way to change the meaning of a word? No need to consult your dictionary—just add a suffix. While this might seem like a small change, adding a suffix can greatly enhance your communication and help you grasp the context better.
Are you curious to know more about what is a suffix, its types, and how it works? Let’s explore all of that in this article!
Definition of Suffix
Suffixes have been used in languages for centuries. The term “suffix” comes from the Latin word “suffigere,” which means “to fasten underneath”.
Simply put, a suffix is a set of letters attached to the end of a word that alters its meaning and function. It is also used to ensure that the word fits grammatically within a sentence.
Types, Function, and Examples of Suffixes
Based on the definition above, it’ll be simple to differentiate between the types of suffixes.
Essentially, suffixes are broadly categorized into derivational and inflectional suffixes. Let’s explore these further:
1. Derivational Suffixes
Derivational suffixes can modify a word’s meaning and grammatical function and create distinct new words.
Here’s a method for using them.:
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To Turn Verbs into Adjectives
|
-able Sustain → Sustainable |
-ible Access → Accessible |
|
-ive Associate → Associative |
-less Breathe → Breathless |
|
-ous Fame → Famous |
-al Person → Personal |
|
-ful Color → Colorful |
-
To Turn Verbs into Adverbs
|
–ly Quick → Quickly |
-wise Clock → Clockwise |
|
–ward Out → Outward |
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To Show Professional Titles
|
-ist Piano → Pianist |
-ian Electric → Electrician |
|
-or Direct → Director |
-er Drive → Driver |
|
-ant Consult → Consultant |
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To Show Nationality or Language
|
-ian Brazil → Brazilian |
–ese Lebanon – Lebanese |
|
-an Russia → Russian |
2. Inflectional Suffixes
Unlike derivational suffixes, which alter a word’s meaning, inflectional suffixes only modify its grammatical function.
These include:
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To Show the Plural of Nouns
|
-s Donut → Donuts |
-es Arch → Arches |
-
To Change the Tense of the Verbs
|
-ed Rain → Rained |
-ing Bike → Biking |
-
To Form Comparative and Superlative Forms
|
-er Slow → Slower |
-est Fat → Fattest |
Suffix vs. Prefix
Now that you understand suffixes, you may wonder what the difference is between a suffix and a prefix. It’s easy to differentiate between the two.
Prefixes and suffixes are types of affixes that modify a word. However, prefixes are placed at the start of a word, unlike suffixes. For example:
|
Happy → Unhappy |
In this example, the prefix “un-” directly modifies nouns (people, things, etc.) to state that they’re not feeling happy.
However, it’s also possible for a word to include both a prefix and a suffix, for instance:
|
Unhappy → Unhappiness |
In this example, the suffix “-ness” turns the adjective “unhappy” into a noun representing the abstract concept or experience of unhappiness.
Though similar, “unhappy” describes a condition or feeling, while “unhappiness” implies the experience of being in that situation.
Suffixes at Exams: How to Identify Them?
Facing exams and still struggling with suffixes? The key is to enhance your vocabulary and understand word structures.
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