BGC Senegal Expand your vocabulary and take your language expertise to the next level with words that end in suffixes! A suffix is a word addition placed at the end of a root or stem word to change its meaning. For example, adding the suffix -ness to the root word happy, ‘happiness’ is formed. Whether you’re learning English, Spanish, French, Italian, or any other language, gain strength in your language abilities by learning words with suffixes! Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
As non-native English speakers, expanding our vocabulary is an essential component of becoming fluent in the language. One effective way to enhance our word bank is by learning and utilizing suffixes. Suffixes are small word parts that are added to the end of a base word to create a new word with a different meaning. By understanding and actively using suffixes, we can significantly bolster our vocabulary and communicate more effectively in both written and spoken English.
One common suffix is “-able.” This suffix is used to create adjectives that indicate the possibility or ability of something. For instance, when we add “-able” to the word “understand,” we get ”understandable,” which means capable of being understood. By incorporating this suffix into our vocabulary, we can express ourselves more precisely. We might say, “The professor explained the complex concept in a way that was understandable to all students.”
Another widely used suffix is “-tion.” When added to a verb, it forms a noun indicating an action, process, or result. For example, when we add “-tion” to the verb ”compete,” we form the noun ”competition,” which refers to the act of engaging in a contest. By mastering this suffix, we expand our vocabulary and convey our thoughts more accurately. We might say, “Participating in the spelling bee gave me the opportunity to test my spelling skills and experience healthy competition.”
Additionally, the suffix “-ly” is commonly used to transform adjectives into adverbs. Adverbs describe how an action is performed. By adding “-ly” to an adjective, we create an adverb that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb. For instance, by adding “-ly” to the adjective “quick,” we get the adverb “quickly,” which indicates the speed of an action. Employing this suffix allows us to express ourselves more precisely. We could say, “She completed the assignment quickly and turned it in before the deadline.”
Moreover, the suffix “-er” is used to form comparative adjectives, while ”-est” forms superlative adjectives. Comparative adjectives compare the qualities of two things, while superlative adjectives indicate the highest degree of a quality. For example, by adding ”-er” to the adjective “tall,” we form the comparative adjective “taller,” indicating a greater height than someone or something else. By employing these suffixes, we can describe and compare people, objects, or situations more effectively. We might say, “My older sister is taller than me, but my youngest brother is the tallest among us.”
In conclusion, learning and utilizing suffixes is an excellent strategy for improving our vocabulary as non-native English speakers. By understanding the meanings of different suffixes and incorporating them into our daily language use, we can enhance our ability to communicate accurately and effectively in spoken and written English. So, let us embrace suffixes and embark on an exciting journey of expanding our vocabulary and mastering the intricacies of the English language.
An expanding language-base isn’t just about learning and memorizing new words; it is about gaining a richer understanding of the English language and how words are structured and combined to communicate meaning. Suffixes are just one part of the complex process of forming words, but by learning words with suffixes, you can become a master of the English language and develop an understanding of its intricacies and capabilities. Take the time to discover the power of suffixes and see how they can help you expand your language knowledge and skills!