BGC SenegalDo you want to broaden your lexicon and become a master of suffixes? This guide will help you do just that!
Suffixes, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, are an affix or an additional element added to the end of a word to modify its meaning.
Let’s start with the basic suffixes. Suffixes such as ‘-able’ change a verb into an adjective. For example, the word ‘adaptable’ is derived from the verb ‘adapt’.
Let’s move on to the less common suffixes. The suffix ‘-ish’ usually means ‘confined to’ or ‘slightly’. For instance, the word ‘reddish’ means ‘slightly red’.
Now, let’s explore the suffix ‘-ment’. This suffix usually means ‘an action or result of certain action’. For instance, the word ‘replacement’ indicates the replacement of something.
Then there is the suffix ‘-ion’. This suffix usually implies the process of performing an action or making something. For example, the word ’teleportation’ indicates the process of teleporting.
Finally, the suffix ‘-ism’ usually denotes a belief or a doctrine, such as in the words ‘optimism’ and ‘journalism’.
With this guide, you should now be a master of suffixes! So go out and expand your lexicon! Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
Are you looking for ways to enhance your English vocabulary skills? Well, you’ve come to the right place! One effective strategy to expand your word knowledge is by learning and mastering suffixes. Suffixes are essential word parts that can be added to the end of a word to change its meaning or create new words altogether. By understanding and utilizing suffixes, you will be able to decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words, improve your reading comprehension, and boost your overall communication skills.
Here are a few commonly used suffixes along with examples, which will help you understand and develop your vocabulary:
– Suffix: “-ful”
Example words: beautiful, joyful, powerful
The suffix “-ful” is used to describe qualities, characteristics, or states. By adding “-ful” to a word, you emphasize that it possesses the quality or state indicated by the root word.
– Suffix: “-less”
Example words: fearless, timeless, homeless
The suffix “-less” is used to indicate the absence or lack of something. Adding “-less” to a word negates the meaning of the root word and implies that it lacks the quality or characteristic expressed.
– Suffix: “-ly”
Example words: slowly, happily, quickly
The suffix ”-ly” is commonly used to convert adjectives into adverbs. Adding “-ly” to an adjective allows you to describe how an action is performed or to what extent.
– Suffix: “-able” or “-ible”
Example words: suitable, edible, invisible
The suffixes “-able” and “-ible” are used to create adjectives from verbs or nouns. They imply the capability or possibility of something and indicate that the word can be subjected to the verb or noun.
– Suffix: “-ment”
Example words: improvement, commitment, excitement
The suffix “-ment” is often used to convert verbs into nouns. It signifies the result, process, or state of the verb action.
By understanding and recognizing the meanings of these suffixes, you will be able to decipher unknown words and improve your overall vocabulary. However, it is important to note that while suffixes provide clues about word meanings, they can also have exceptions or alternative interpretations.
To enhance your vocabulary further with suffixes, it is recommended to engage in activities such as reading English books, articles, or news, and actively noting down new words and their suffixes. Additionally, practicing word games, like crosswords or word puzzles, can be an entertaining way to reinforce your knowledge of suffixes.
Remember, building vocabulary is an ongoing process, so be consistent, patient, and not afraid to explore new words. With diligent practice and the knowledge of suffixes, you will undoubtedly witness remarkable progress in your English vocabulary skills. Happy learning!
Expanding your lexicon doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a little practice, dedication, and an understanding of how suffixes can transform words, you will be up and running in no time! So, why delay? Get into the habit of mastering the magic of suffixes and you, too, can unleash a whole new world of communication.