Suffixes and Their Meanings

Front

-able, -ible

Back

Can be done. Examples: enjoyable, sensible, likable.

Front

-ian, -an

Back

One having a skill/relating to/belonging to. Examples: electrician, magician, American, suburban.

Front

-ship

Back

Condition of/skill. Examples: championship, friendship, hardship.

Front

-ist

Back

One who does a specific action. Examples: artist, tourist.

Front

-logy, -ology

Back

Science of/study of. Examples: biology, chronology.

Front

-ism

Back

Act/belief/practice of. Examples: patriotism, idealism.

Front

-ence, -ance

Back

Act/condition of. Examples: persistence, excellence, assistance.

Front

-ess

Back

Feminine. Examples: actress, lioness.

Front

-en

Back

Made of/to make. Examples: wooden, dampen, tighten.

Front

-dom

Back

Condition of. Examples: boredom, freedom, kingdom.