English Suffixes and Their Meanings

Front

able, ible (adj.)

Back

is; can be (e.g., collectable, gullible)

Front

al; ial (adj.)

Back

having characteristics of (e.g., circumstantial, seasonal)

Front

est (adj.)

Back

the most (e.g., coldest, largest)

Front

ful (adj.)

Back

full of (e.g., beautiful, hateful)

Front

ic (adj.)

Back

having characteristics of (e.g., historic, asymmetric)

Front

ish (adj.)

Back

like, similar (e.g., childish, bookish)

Front

ive, ative, itive (adj.)

Back

adjective form of noun (e.g., active, comparative)

Front

less (adj.)

Back

without (e.g., helpless, effortless)

Front

ous, eous, ious (adj.)

Back

having qualities of (e.g., courageous, gracious)

Front

y (adj.)

Back

characterized by (e.g., cloudy, thirsty)