BGC SenegalUnlock an even larger vocabulary! Improve your knowledge of words with suffixes. By simply adding suffixes to existing words, you can learn an array of amazing new vocabulary. Suffixes are endings that are added to words to serve a variety of purposes, including indicating tense, number, position, size, comparison, adjectives, and adverbs. By taking the time to study and practice the different suffixes, you can quickly become well-versed in the language and impress your friends and family with your expansive vocabulary. So, why wait? Start now on the path to broader word knowledge! Improve Your Vocabulary With Suffixes
As non-English speakers, one of the key aspects of language learning is expanding our vocabulary. By increasing our repertoire of words, we can better express ourselves and understand others. One effective and efficient way to enhance our vocabulary is by mastering suffixes.
Suffixes are a group of letters attached to the end of a base word to create a new word with a different meaning. Understanding and using suffixes allow us to decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words, formulate more complex sentence structures, and express our ideas more precisely. Here are some commonly used suffixes that will significantly improve your English vocabulary:
1. -ful: This suffix means “full of” or ”characterized by.” For example, adding -ful to “care” gives us “careful,” meaning full of care or cautious. By learning words like “beautiful,” “colorful,” or “cheerful,” we can easily describe things more vividly.
2. -less: When added to a word, -less indicates the absence of something or a negative meaning. For instance, ”hope” becomes “hopeless,” meaning without any hope. Expanding your vocabulary with words like “endless,” ”fearless,” or “limitless” will give you a clearer way to articulate your thoughts.
3. -ly: This suffix transforms adjectives into adverbs, which describe actions or add more detail. For example, adding -ly to “quick” gives us “quickly,” describing how something is done. Words like “carefully,” “happily,” or ”simply” can enhance your ability to express actions and emotions.
4. -able/-ible: These suffixes mean “capable of” or ”can be done.” By adding -able or -ible to a verb or an adjective, we create a new word that represents the capability or possibility of something. For instance, “read” becomes “readable,” meaning something that can be read. Learning words such as “flexible,” “reliable,” or “incredible” will broaden your vocabulary and enable you to describe various possibilities.
5. -tion/-sion: These suffixes transform verbs into nouns, indicating an action, state, or condition. For example, turning the verb “invite” into ”invitation” gives us the noun meaning the act of inviting. By familiarizing yourself with words like “celebration,” “conversation,” or “decision,” you can make your writing and speaking more sophisticated.
It’s important to note that learning suffixes involves understanding the meaning of the base words. By recognizing prefixes, root words, and how they combine with suffixes, you can decipher the meaning of numerous words without relying solely on a dictionary. Regularly practicing suffixes through reading, writing, and listening exercises will gradually enhance your vocabulary and boost your language skills.
In conclusion, improving your vocabulary with suffixes is a valuable approach for non-English speakers to enhance their language skills. By mastering suffixes such as -ful, -less, -ly, -able/-ible, and -tion/-sion, you can effectively expand your vocabulary, express yourself more precisely, and comprehend the meaning of unfamiliar words. So, let’s embrace the power of suffixes and embark on a journey to enrich our English vocabulary!
Gaining a better understanding of word formation through the use of suffixes is an important step in enjoying the power of language. With further practice, you can feel confident tackling any text, discussion or composition with ease, knowing that you have a larger arsenal of words at your disposal. The journey to unlocking your word knowledge starts with a single suffix.