Do you ever find yourself throwing away time, scuffling through a dictionary to find the perfect word for your writing? Building a nimble vocabulary can sometimes be a challenge, but with practice you can refine your skill. One way to quickly up your word knowledge is to master suffixes.
Suffixes are letter combinations added to the end of a root word which change its meaning or function. Understanding how to add and recognize suffixes can not only help recognize new words, but also expand your understanding of English language. So, let’s look at some of the more commonly used suffixes and how you can use them!
-tion/-sion: This suffix is added to verbs to transform them into nouns. Words like ‘represent’, ‘innovate’, and ‘persuade’, can be changed into ‘representation’, ‘innovation’, and ‘persuasion’ – great for describing actions in greater detail.
-or/-ar: This suffix is used to describe a person or thing that performs a particular job. A few examples include ‘accuse’ becoming ‘accuser’, ‘educate’ becoming ‘educator’, and ‘manipulate’ becoming ‘manipulator’.
-able/-ible: This suffix is used to identify an action which can, or cannot, be done. Adding this to the root word dictates whether the action is doable or not. ‘inaudible’, for example, means a sound cannot be heard; ‘visible’ means it can be seen, and ‘understandable’ implies something can be comprehended.
-ment: To describe an outcome from a particular action, take the root word and add the suffix -ment. For example, change ‘judge’ to ‘judgment’, ‘govern’ to ‘government’, or ‘prepare’ to ‘preparation’.
These are some of the most commonly used English suffixes and are great to practice when trying to further your vocabulary. See what combinations you can come up with yourself! Soon enough, you’ll master these suffixes and will be able to quickly speed through the dictionary.
Take some time to explore these suffixes and add them to your personal word bank. In no time, you’ll be effortlessly using them with your writing, and will have a more nimble vocabulary. Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
As non-native English speakers, one of the key aspects of mastering the language is enhancing your vocabulary. A powerful tool to achieve this is by familiarizing yourself with different word forms and their meanings. Suffixes play a crucial role in expanding your vocabulary as they are added to the end of a base word, modifying its meaning. By understanding commonly used suffixes, you can easily decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and grasp the context in which they are used.
Let’s explore some common suffixes and how they can significantly boost your vocabulary:
1. -tion/-sion: This suffix is commonly used to transform verbs into nouns. For instance, transforming “educate” into “education” or “discuss” into “discussion.” By recognizing this pattern, you can quickly understand the concept of the noun related to the verb.
2. -able/-ible: Adding this suffix to a base word creates an adjective meaning “capable of” or “worthy of.” Consider the words “comfortable” or “flexible” as examples. By understanding this pattern, you can identify the characteristics or qualities associated with the base word.
3. -ful: Adding this suffix to a word results in another adjective, meaning “full of” or “characterized by.” Take the words “careful” or “grateful” as examples. By recognizing the -ful suffix, you can easily discern the nature or attribute of the base word.
4. -ment: This suffix transforms a verb into a noun, often indicating the result or process of an action. For example, “improve” becomes “improvement” or “develop” becomes “development.” Understanding this suffix helps you identify the outcome or consequence of a particular action.
5. -er/-or: Adding this suffix to a base word usually creates a noun, indicating a person or thing that performs a particular action. Consider the words “teacher” or “actor” as examples. By recognizing this pattern, you can easily identify the doer or performer associated with the base word.
6. -ize/-ise: This suffix is commonly used to transform a noun or adjective into a verb. For instance, ”public” becomes “publicize” or “apologize” becomes “apologize.” Recognizing this pattern allows you to comprehend how words are converted into actions or processes.
7. -less: Adding this suffix to a word creates an adjective, indicating the absence or lack of something. For example, “harmless” or “fearless.” Understanding this pattern enables you to recognize the negation or absence of a specific attribute.
By familiarizing yourself with these commonly used suffixes, you can improve your vocabulary effortlessly. Understanding the meaning of various suffixes allows you to decode unfamiliar words without relying solely on a dictionary. Moreover, it enables you to comprehend the context and nuances in which the words are being used, thereby enhancing your overall language skills.
To further improve your grasp of suffixes, regularly practice reading and writing with a focus on identifying these word-forming elements. Utilize online resources, such as word-building games or exercises, to reinforce your understanding. Additionally, expand your exposure to English texts, both written and spoken, to encounter a wide variety of words with distinct suffixes.
Remember, persistence and consistency are key when it comes to improving your vocabulary. Embrace the power of suffixes and unlock a whole new world of words, empowering you to communicate effectively and fluently in English.
Spice up your conversations, show off your expansive vocabularly, and just generally feel more secure in your wordsmithy by mastering a few select suffixes. Expand your word knowledge today and see the results tomorrow!