SUFFIXES meaning and definition

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Unraveling the Mystery of Suffixes: What They Mean and How to Use Them

When we learn a new word, we often focus on its root or base form. However, many words have additional parts that are just as important – these are called suffixes. In this article, we'll delve into what suffixes mean, how they're used, and provide examples of common suffixes to help you become a master of word formation.

What is a Suffix?

A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a root word or base form to modify its meaning. It's like a little package that adds extra information about the word. Suffixes can change the part of speech, tense, mood, or even the entire meaning of the word.

Types of Suffixes

There are several types of suffixes, each with its own unique function:

Derivational Suffixes: These suffixes create new words by modifying the original word's meaning. For example, adding -ful to happy creates happiness.
Inflectional Suffixes: These suffixes change the grammatical function of a word without changing its basic meaning. For instance, adding -s to cat makes it cats (plural).
Formative Suffixes: These suffixes create new words by combining with roots or bases. An example is -ment, which forms words like employment.

Common Suffixes and Their Meanings

Let's explore some common suffixes and their meanings:

-able: Indicates ability to do something (e.g., readable)
-ful: Conveys a sense of having or being full of something (e.g., beautiful, hopeful)
-ment: Forms nouns that describe an action or process (e.g., employment, development)
-ness: Creates nouns that convey a state or condition (e.g., happiness, darkness)
-ly: Indicates manner or way of doing something (e.g., quickly, wisely)

How to Use Suffixes

To effectively use suffixes, follow these tips:

Learn the base form: Understand the root word's meaning and grammatical function.
Identify the suffix: Recognize the added letters that change the word's meaning or function.
Apply the suffix correctly: Ensure you're using the suffix according to its intended purpose (e.g., -ful for a noun or -ly for an adverb).
Practice, practice, practice!: The more you read and write, the more comfortable you'll become with using suffixes in context.

Conclusion

Suffixes may seem like a minor detail, but they're actually crucial to understanding word formation and expanding your vocabulary. By recognizing common suffixes and their meanings, you'll be better equipped to decode unfamiliar words, create new ones, and communicate effectively. So next time you come across an unfamiliar word, take a closer look at the suffix – it might just unlock its meaning!

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