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Using Suffixes
Using Suffixes
A suffix is a letter or group of letters placed at the end of a word to change its grammatical
function, tense, or meaning. Suffixes can be used to create a verb from a noun or adjective or an
adjective from a verb, for example. They can change a word's tense as well; "-ed" can make a
present-tense verb into a past participle, for instance. They can even change a word's meaning;
the suffix "-ette," for example, can make a word into its diminutive: "kitchen" into "kitchenette."
Just as recognizing a small number of prefixes can help you figure out many unfamiliar words, so
knowing a few common suffixes can help you build a more powerful vocabulary.
Below are ten useful suffixes. Read through the chart and examples. To reinforce your study,
complete the self-tests that follow.
-ition
4. -ation the act or condition of allegation, affirmation commotion recognition
-tion
6. -er one that does or deals with -ar teacher, scholar, furrier, bettor
-ier
-or
1. combustible rubbish
2. pastoral scenes
4. a palatial home
6. assiduity in studies
7. a country of pedestrians
8. an abstemious eater
9. perilous practices
1. culpable a. blameworthy
2. parity b. injurious
3. amenable c. everlasting
5. sempiternal e. equality
7. atavism g. willing
The following ten suffixes will help you understand countless additional words. After you read
through the suffixes and their definitions, complete the two self-tests at the end of the lesson.
a. containing gold
b. extremely hard
Latin "aurum," gold
c. having an odor
d. very common
a. humorous; amusing
b. like a cone
Greek "konos," cone
c. spherical
d. rigid
3. suffering from carditis Root Word
a. eye infection
b. a tin ear
Greek "kardia," heart
c. inflammation of the heart
d. stiff joints
4. graceful Romanesque
a. architectural style
b. departure
c. essay
d. apology
5. olivaceous color
a. oily
b. deep green
c. faded
d. attractive
b. slaughter
Latin "carnis," flesh
c. scene
d. sensuality
7. satanic nature
a. evil
b. cheerful
c. shiny
d. generous
8. admirable craftsmanship
a. display
b. individual
c. shop
d. artfulness
b. vicious
Latin "verus," true
c. windy
d. truthful
a. news
b. surgery