Expand your word power—unlock the power of suffixes! The suffix is the last part of a word, sometimes even just a letter or two, that transforms a base word into a change of meaning or a new word entirely. With the right suffix, you can enhance your vocabulary and create a powerful effect in your writing and speaking. Let’s explore some of the most common suffixes and how they can change words:
-tion: This suffix can create an action word from a noun. For example, the word “explore” is formed from “exploration.”
-er, -or, and -ar: These suffixes can make a noun into a verb. For example “teacher” is made from the verb “teach” and “creator” is made from “create.”
-less: This suffix creates the opposite of the base word. It is used to express the lack of something. For example, the word “harmless” is formed from “harm.”
-ful and -less: These suffixes can indicate whether something is full or lacking. For example, “careful” is the opposite of “careless.”
-ly: This suffix can transform an adjective into an adverb. For example, “beautiful” becomes “beautifully.”
-ment: This suffix is used to create a noun from a verb. For example, “development” is formed from “develop.”
-ize, -ise and -yse: These suffixes can create a verb from a noun. For example “computerize” is formed from “computer.”
Dive into the power of suffixes and unlock your word power! As you work to improve your English language skills, one great way to increase your vocabulary is by learning about suffixes and how they can change the meaning of a word. A suffix is an ending added to a root word to form a new word. By understanding how suffixes work, you can expand your vocabulary and read more effectively in English.
The most common suffixes can be categorized by their meaning. For example, the suffix ‘-ist’ is used to form a noun that describes a person who does or believes in a certain thing. The suffix ‘-ism’ is used to form a noun that means a system of belief or practice, and the suffix ‘-able’ is used to form an adjective that means capable of or fit for something.
Let’s take the root word ‘read’ and add four different suffixes to make four different words.
1. Reader: This is a noun that describes someone who reads.
2. Reading: This is a noun that describes the action of reading.
3. Readable: This is an adjective that describes something that can be read.
4. Readability: This is a noun that describes the quality of being able to be read.
In English, there are different types of suffixes that are used to form the different parts of speech. For example, the suffix ‘-ing’ can be used to form a verb or an adjective. The suffix ‘-ly’ is commonly used to form an adverb.
You can take the root word ‘write’ and add four different suffixes to make four different words.
1. Writer: This is a noun that describes someone who writes.
2. Writing: This is a noun that describes the action of writing.
3. Writable: This is an adjective that describes something that can be written on.
4. Writability: This is a noun that describes the quality of being able to be written on.
Learning and understanding suffixes can help you read more effectively in English and expand your vocabulary. As you become more familiar with suffixes, you can add them to words you already know to form new words.
You’ve now experienced the power of mastering suffixes. You’ve seen how, with consistent focus and practice, you can expand your word power and become an eloquent speaker and writer. Now that you know the wonders that mastering suffixes can bring, why not give it a try?