Suffix

usgb/ˈsʌfɪks/
noun

A letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to make a new word.

The suffix '-ness' in 'kindness' changes 'kind' into a noun.
Visual representation of "suffix" - A letter or group of letters added at the end of a word to make a new word.

Often appears as...

  • '-less'
  • '-ful'

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "suffix"
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Word Class Changes

Suffixes often change the part of speech of the original word, like turning verbs into nouns or adjectives.

Illustration for Word Class Changes
Adding '-ment' transforms the verb 'achieve' into the noun 'achievement'.
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Meaning Adjustment

Different suffixes modify the meaning of the base word in specific ways, revealing shades of meaning.

Illustration for Meaning Adjustment
'Careful' becomes 'careless' with the suffix '-less', showing lack of care.
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Derivational Suffixes

Suffixes that form new words are called derivational, they can create completely different words.

Illustration for Derivational Suffixes
From 'beauty', add '-ful' to form 'beautiful', a different word with related meaning.
Visual representation of the word "Suffix"

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