BGC SenegalEnriching your vocabulary with suffixes can be a great way to spice up your language and make your words more interesting! Here are some examples of suffixes that can be used to transform the meanings of words you already know to express subtler shades of meaning:
-able: Whether you want to express the potential for action or the likelihood of a result, this suffix is a great one! For instance, you could transform the word “predict” to “predictable” meaning something that can be foretold or expected.
-ful: This suffix can be used to refer to something that is abundant or that produces an abundance of something. For instance, you could transform the word “grace” to “graceful” that would mean showy or displaying grace and beauty.
-ing: Use this suffix to transition any noun into an activity. For instance, you could transform the word “skip” to “skipping” to describe the act of hopping along on one foot.
-ive: You can use this suffix to add creativity to any verb by making it an adjective. For instance, you could transform the word “inspire” to “inspiring” to suggest that something is capable of inspiring enthusiasm, courage, or hope.
By utilizing these suffixes, you can add artistic flair and deeper meaning to the words you use! Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
As you continue your journey to mastering the English language, one important aspect to focus on is expanding your vocabulary. Having a wide range of words at your disposal allows you to express yourself more precisely and effectively. One approach to enhance your vocabulary is by incorporating suffixes into your learning journey.
Suffixes are small word parts that are added to the end of a base word to create a new word with a slightly different meaning. They serve as a fantastic tool for expanding your vocabulary as they can be added to various base words, allowing you to create multiple related words.
Let’s look at some common suffixes and explore how they can help you improve your vocabulary:
1. -er/-or: This suffix is commonly used to indicate a person or thing that performs a specific action. For example, by adding -er to ”teach,” we can form the word “teacher.” Similarly, by adding -or to “act,” we get the word ”actor.” By familiarizing yourself with this suffix, you will be able to comprehend and create words related to various professions or activities.
2. -able/-ible: This suffix is used to transform a verb into an adjective, indicating the capability or possibility of a particular action. For instance, the verb “eat” can be modified into the adjective “eatable,” meaning something that can be eaten. Likewise, the verb “understand” can change into the adjective “understandable,” signifying something that can be understood. By understanding this suffix, you will have the ability to form adjectives that denote the potential or feasibility of an action.
3. -tion/-sion: This suffix is often used to convert a verb into a noun, indicating an action, state, or condition. For example, the verb ”educate” can be transformed into the noun “education,” indicating the process of teaching and learning. Similarly, the verb “expand” can become the noun “expansion,” representing the act of getting larger. By familiarizing yourself with this suffix, you will be able to comprehend and create nouns related to various actions or states.
4. -ly: This suffix is commonly attached to an adjective to form an adverb. Adverbs describe how an action is performed, providing additional information about the verb. For example, the adjective “quick” can be transformed into the adverb “quickly,” indicating the speed at which something is done. Similarly, the adjective “careful” can become the adverb “carefully,” denoting the level of caution taken. By understanding this suffix, you will be able to express the manner in which actions are performed more precisely.
By familiarizing yourself with these common suffixes, you can significantly expand your English vocabulary. Practice identifying and incorporating these suffixes into your learning routine by studying word lists, reading extensively, and engaging in conversations. As you become more comfortable with using suffixes, you will notice a significant improvement in your ability to articulate your thoughts and ideas effectively.
Remember, building vocabulary is a continual process, so keep exploring new words and their suffixes to enhance your language skills. So, embrace the power of suffixes and watch your English vocabulary flourish!
Enriching your vocabulary with suffixes can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. It can help you build a more varied and meaningful vocabulary of your own, as well as strengthen your writing and communication skills. Let the suffixes bring you one step closer to becoming a vocabularizer!