Word formation

Front

What is a suffix?

Back

A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function.

Front

What does the suffix '-en' do to the word 'sharp'?

Back

The suffix '-en' transforms the adjective 'sharp' into the verb 'sharpen', indicating the action of making something sharp.

Front

What is the purpose of the suffix '-age'?

Back

The suffix '-age' is used to form nouns indicating a collection or a result of an action, as in 'pass' becoming 'passage'.

Front

How does the suffix '-ize' change the word 'crystal'?

Back

The suffix '-ize' converts the noun 'crystal' into the verb 'crystalize', meaning to form into crystals.

Front

What does the suffix '-ish' imply when added to the word 'red'?

Back

The suffix '-ish' indicates a resemblance or characteristic, turning 'red' into 'reddish', meaning somewhat red.

Front

What is the function of the suffix '-al'?

Back

The suffix '-al' is used to form adjectives indicating a relation to something, as in 'arrive' becoming 'arrival', which refers to the act of arriving.

Front

Can you give an example of a word formed by adding '-ment'?

Back

Yes, the word 'develop' becomes 'development' when the suffix '-ment' is added, indicating the process of developing.

Front

What does the suffix '-ful' mean when added to a noun?

Back

The suffix '-ful' means 'full of' or 'having the qualities of', as in 'joy' becoming 'joyful', meaning full of joy.

Front

What is the effect of adding '-less' to a noun?

Back

The suffix '-less' means 'without', as in 'hope' becoming 'hopeless', meaning without hope.

Front

How does the suffix '-ity' change a word?

Back

The suffix '-ity' is used to form nouns that express a state or condition, as in 'active' becoming 'activity', indicating the state of being active.