Suffixes are the secret to unlocking the power of words! Expand your verbal toolkit by learning some of the more common suffixes. With them, you can add dimension and emphasis to simple words and create a variety of new words. Here are the three you should start with:
-ify: By adding the suffix -ify to the end of a word, you can express the idea of ‘making something’ or ’causing something to be.’ Some examples include “simplify,” “solidify,” “classify,” and “verify.”
-tion: The suffix -tion is a common way to turn a verb into a noun. It indicates the process or result. Examples include “observation,” “adaptation,” “transformation,” and “generation.”
-able: By attaching -able to the end of a word, you create an adjective describing something that can be done. Examples include “adaptable,” “measurable,” “editable,” and “movable.”
Once you become comfortable with these three, take it a step further by learning other suffixes, such as -ous, -ment, and -ize. With a well-stocked verbal toolkit, you’ll be equipped to better express yourself and construct clearer and more nuanced ideas. Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
One of the most effective ways to enhance your English vocabulary is by exploring the use of suffixes. Suffixes are added to the end of base or root words to create new words with slightly different meanings. By understanding and incorporating suffixes into your everyday conversations and writings, you can significantly improve your linguistic skills and communicate more effectively.
Here are a few common suffixes along with their meanings and examples to help you expand your vocabulary:
1. -er / -or: This suffix is used to denote a person or thing that performs a certain action or holds a specific role. For instance, adding -er to the verb “teach” creates the noun “teacher,” referring to a person who imparts knowledge. Likewise, attaching -or to “act” gives us ”actor,” referring to someone who performs in a play or movie.
2. -less: This suffix is used to indicate the absence or lack of something. For example, adding -less to “hope” gives us “hopeless,” meaning lacking hope. Similarly, attaching -less to “care” creates “careless,” implying a lack of concern or attention.
3. -able / -ible: The suffixes -able and -ible indicate the possibility or capacity of something. For instance, adding -able to “read” creates the adjective ”readable,” which means that a text is easy to understand. Similarly, attaching -ible to “flex” gives us “flexible,” suggesting the ability to bend or adapt.
4. -tion / -sion: These suffixes are used to form nouns from verbs. For instance, adding -tion to “act” gives us “action,” referring to the process of doing something. Likewise, attaching -sion to “expand” creates “expansion,” indicating the action or process of becoming larger.
5. -ly: This suffix is used to form adverbs from adjectives. For example, adding -ly to “quick” creates “quickly,” implying speed or haste. Similarly, attaching -ly to “happy” gives us “happily,” suggesting a state of joy or contentment.
6. -ment: This suffix is used to create nouns indicating an action, process, or result. For instance, adding -ment to ”develop” creates “development,” referring to the growth or improvement of something. Similarly, attaching -ment to “enjoy” gives us “enjoyment,” implying the state of finding pleasure or satisfaction in something.
By familiarizing yourself with these common suffixes, you can easily expand your vocabulary and develop a greater understanding of the English language. Practice incorporating these suffixes into your conversations and writing to reinforce their usage. Additionally, consider using a dictionary or online resources to explore other suffixes and their meanings.
Remember, improving your vocabulary takes time, patience, and consistent practice. Start by learning a few suffixes at a time and gradually apply them in your daily interactions. With dedication and perseverance, you will soon notice a significant improvement in your language skills and be able to express yourself more effectively in English.
Having a varied and extensive verbal toolkit can be the difference between being an adequate communicator and an excellent one. So why not expand your own toolkit and incorporate the magical ¡¿Suffixes?! With this newfound knowledge, your conversations will become expos thick with argument and intrigue, and your ideas with emanate eloquence, grace, and depth. The possibilities are plentiful – why not go out and explore them?