Expand Your Lexicon by Adding Suffixes to Your Vocabulary:
-able – something capable of or suitable for being done/experienced
Example: Accessible
-al – relating to, characterized by, or having a certain quality
Example: Experimental
-er – one who does or practices something
Example: Programmer
-ful – containing or characterized by a lot of something
Example: Colorful
-ism – a belief or behavior pattern
Example: Optimism
-ly – in a way that is characteristic of something
Example: Friendly
-ment – the action of carrying out or continuing something
Example: Investment
-ness – a state, quality, or degree of something
Example: Silliness
-sion – a process or activity
Example: Decision
-tion – a turning, converting, or changing into something
Example: Creation Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
Are you having difficulty understanding complex English words? Are you hoping to expand your English vocabulary? One great way to increase your understanding of words is to learn suffixes and how they change the meaning of words. In this article, we’ll take a look at some common suffixes and how they can help you improve your English vocabulary.
Suffixes are a type of word ending. A suffix is a letter or group of letters that can be added to the end of a word to change its meaning. For example, the suffix -ful can be added to words, such as help and use, to create helpful and useful.
Here is a list of some common suffixes in English and how they change the meaning of words.
-ment: means the action of doing something or the state of being. For example, the verb to govern becomes government when the suffix -ment is added.
-ness: means to create a noun of quality, state, or amount. For example, the adjective kind becomes kindness when the suffix -ness is added.
-ly: usually makes an adjective into an adverb. For example, the adjective regular becomes regularly when the suffix -ly is added.
-er: usually makes a noun into a comparative adjective by comparing two things. For example, the noun teacher becomes teacher when the suffix -er is added.
-able: usually makes a noun into an adjective, meaning something is easier or possible to do. For example, the verb achieve becomes achievable when the suffix -able is added.
-ion: usually makes a verb into a noun. For example, the verb explain becomes explanation when the suffix -ion is added.
-ite: usually makes a noun into an adjective. For example, the noun light becomes light when the suffix -ite is added.
Now that you have an understanding of common suffixes, you can be more aware when you come across them in your reading and writing. Start to apply them to words that you already know, in order to expand your vocabulary.
Remember that learning English can be a challenge, but you don’t have to tackle it on your own. Seek help from a qualified English teacher, if you’re struggling. Good luck!
By now, you’ve come away with a wealth of knowledge on the power of suffixes and the countless ways that you can use them to expand your lexicon. Cultivating your inner lexicon can be an enriching adventure, so get out there and let your suffixes do the talking!