-ari: talkari, thoughti, imaginari, musicari
-ive: defiantive, sensitive, expressive, adaptive
-ish: toddlish, wondersh, dreamish, cherish Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
One of the most effective ways to enhance your English vocabulary is by adding suffixes to words. Suffixes are small additions that are added to the end of a base word to create a new word with a different meaning. By familiarizing yourself with common suffixes, you can increase your understanding of English words and expand your ability to communicate effectively.
Let’s delve into some commonly used suffixes and how they can transform words:
1. -er/-or: This suffix is often used to denote someone who performs a specific action or occupation. For instance, the word “teacher” identifies someone who teaches, while “actor” refers to someone who acts in movies or plays.
2. -tion/-sion: These suffixes are used to form nouns from verbs. For example, “communication” is the noun form of the verb “communicate,” and “decision” is derived from the verb “decide.”
3. -able/-ible: These suffixes are applied to verbs to form adjectives implying the possibility or capability of something. “Comfortable” suggests that something is able to provide comfort, and “flexible” signifies the ability of an object or person to bend or adapt easily.
4. -ment: When added to a verb, this suffix transforms it into a noun referring to an action or process. For instance, the verb ”develop” becomes the noun “development,” and “enjoy” transforms into “enjoyment.”
5. -ly: This suffix is used to modify adjectives and create adverbs. For example, “quickly” is the adverbial form of “quick,” and “carefully” is derived from the adjective “careful.”
6. -ize/-ise: These suffixes are often used to form verbs from nouns and adjectives. For instance, the noun “realize” transforms into the verb ”realization,” and the adjective “modern” becomes the verb “modernize.”
7. -less: When added to a noun or adjective, this suffix indicates the absence or lack of something. For example, ”hopeless” suggests a lack of hope, and “endless” implies that something has no end.
Learning and utilizing these suffixes can significantly improve your vocabulary. By understanding their meanings and how they change the base words, you can effectively express yourself and comprehend new words encountered in your studies or conversations.
To enhance your skills, try incorporating these suffixes into your daily practice. Reading English books, newspapers, or online articles will expose you to a wide range of vocabulary, including words with suffixes. Additionally, creating flashcards or practicing with vocabulary exercises can help solidify your understanding and retention of these word formations.
Remember that while suffixes can provide immense value in expanding your vocabulary, it is essential to understand the context in which they are used. Sometimes, the addition of a suffix can alter the entire meaning of a word, so exploring the nuances of different words and their suffixes will further enhance your language skills.
As you continue to learn and explore English, mastering suffixes will undoubtedly contribute to your overall language proficiency. With regular practice and exposure to these word formations, you will find yourself conveying your thoughts more precisely and engaging in more meaningful conversations. So, embrace the power of suffixes and unlock the potential to communicate effectively in English!
Congratulations — you’ve just taken the first step to improving your vocabulary! With an understanding of the meanings behind suffixes, you can easily improve your language skills. Don’t forget to use these tools to expand your word knowledge. Embrace the power of suffixes and watch your vocabulary soar!