Suffix ment. Suffixes in English: their role in word formation
This is a lesson from the series and in it we will look at common noun suffixes: -er/or, -tion, -ing, -ness, -ence/ance (5). The exercises will help you understand how nouns are formed in English language, as well as prepare for English language exams in the form of the OGE and the Unified State Exam.
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Basic suffixes of nouns in English (grade 9)
Remember these 5 main suffixes. Next, let's take a closer look at each of them.
- er/or
- ence/ance
1. Suffixes of nouns formed from a verb
verb + Ʌ =noun
- -er/or(doer suffix)
dance - dancer (dance - dancer)
work - worker
collect - collector (collect - collector)
invent - inventor - -tion(process suffix)
collect - collection (collection, collection)
invent - invention - -ing
suffer - suffering (to suffer - suffering)
warn - warning
mean - meaning
Remember three suffixes -er (-or), -tion, -ing, with the help of which nouns are formed from a verb.
2. Suffixes of nouns formed from an adjective
adj + Ʌ =noun
- -ness
ill - illness (patient - illness)
kind - kindness - -ance/ -ence(corresponding adjectives have suffixes: -ant/ -ent)
important - importance (important - importance)
different - difference
Remember two suffixes: -ness, -ence (ance), with the help of which nouns are formed from an adjective.
Suffixes of nouns in English. Exercises
-ness & -tion- the most common suffixes of nouns.
Exercise 1. Suffix -ness.Translate the indicated nouns and indicate the adjectives from which they are formed.
foolishness, happiness, seriousness, illness, readiness, richness, strangeness, carelessness, whiteness, cleverness, greatness, brightness
Note. Please note that the letter “y”, as a rule, occurs at the end of a word, but in the middle of the word its double is used - the letter “i”: happ i ness - happy y.
Exercise 2. Suffix –tion and its varieties -ation /-ion/ -sion/ -ssion.Translate the indicated nouns and indicate the verb from which they are formed.
translation, explanation, admiration, celebration, continuation, invitation, pronunciation, exhibition, demonstration, conversation, competition, communication
Exercise 3. Suffix –tion.Rephrase the sentence using a verb derived from it instead of a noun.
EXAMPLE. Their acting was very good. —— They acted very well.
1.His collection of books was mainly on art.
2. The farmer's quick actions saved the building from fire.
3.Her translation of the poem was so good that the professor invited her to take part in a translation contest.
4. The teacher's explanation of the task was clear to everyone.
Exercise 4. Guess the suffix and form nouns with it. Translate them.
- weak
- polite -
- fresh -
- ugly -
- cold -
- dark —
- careful -
Exercise 5. Suffix –er.Guess the profession.
EXAMPLE. Someone who bakes bread is a baker
- Someone who interviews people is a….
- Someone who plays football is a…
- Someone who eats well is a…
- Someone who sleeps well is a…
- Someone who rules the country is a…
- Someone who explores new lands is a…
- Someone who makes or repairs shoes is a…
- Someone who always causes trouble is a…
- Someone who makes films is a…
- Someone who has traveled to another place for a holiday is a…
Remember:
- trouble maker- bully, hooligan
- holiday maker- vacationer
Exercise 6. If you know the verbs, then adding a suffix –tion you can easily form new words. Translate them into Russian.
- collect -
- explain -
- protect —
- prepare -
- found -
- inform
- celebrate -
- compose -
- create -
- decorate —
Exercise 7. Suffix –er/or.Form nouns from these words using suffixes: -er/-or.
Remember: to fail - failure
to construct, to direct, to protect, to transport, to fail, to educate, to manage, to govern, to achieve, to build, to sing, to act, to sleep
Exercise 8. Suffix –ence/ance.Translate and remember pairs of words with the suffixes -ence/-ance:
- import ant-import ance
- differ ent- differ ence
- indifferent - indifference
- independent - independence
- dependent - dependence
- patient - patience
- persistent - persistence
- insistent - insistence
- indulgent - indulgence
In this article from the “” series we will look at 10 main adjective suffixes in English: -ful, -less, -ous, -al, -y, -ic, -ish, -able, -ive, -ent (10), We will also devote significant time to practicing these suffixes. Word formation exercises will not only help you prepare for English language exams in the form of the OGE and the Unified State Exam, but will expand your vocabulary and contribute to the development of linguistic conjecture.
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Word formation of adjectives
1. Suffixes of adjectives formed from nouns
noun + Ʌ = adj
- -ful (expresses the presence of quality; beautiful, colorful)
- -less (expresses lack of quality: colourless, useless)
- -ous (words of French origin, analogue of ful: courageous, famous)
- -al (central, formal)
- -y (cloudy, dirty)
- -ic (poetic, domestic)
- -ish (expresses nationality: Scottish, English, as well as a weak degree of quality: brownish - brownish, reddish - reddish)
The exception is the suffix -ly, since this suffix serves to form adverbs. However, there are a number of adjectives and quite common ones that are formed using this suffix, for example: friendly(friendly), lovely(charming), lively(active, active)
2. Suffixes of adjectives formed from verbs
verb + Ʌ = adj
- -able /-ible (expresses the ability to undergo an action indicated by the verb: to change – changeable (change – changeable); to eat – eatable (eat – edible)
- -ive (active, talkative)
- -ent /-ant (different, important)
Note that the vowel in the adjective suffix is e nt/- a nt is the same as in the noun suffix - e nce/- a nce and vice versa, that is:
differ ent- differ ence
import ant-import ance
Adjective suffixes in English. Exercises
Exercise 1. Translate into Russian.
The suffix -ful means “be full of” e.g. beautiful means “be full of” beauty.
- She was very grateful for our help.
- She likes colorful clothes.
- She is a very forgetful girl.
- We are not sure that our team will win, but we are hopeful.
- They lived a peaceful, happy life.
- He was always as helpful as possible.
Exercise 2.1. Translate into Russian.
The suffix -less means "without" e.g. hopeless means “without” hope.
a moonless night, a cloudless sky, a noiseless machine, numberless heroes, a motherless girl, a heartless woman, a homeless cat, a leafless tree, a nameless author, a sunless room, a endless war, a lifeless body, a colorless liquid , a friendly child, a sleepless night, careless people, a doubtless victory
Exercise 2.2. Translate into English.
A cloudless sky, a helpless child, a silent car, countless heroes, a lifeless body, a carefree child, a heartless woman, a stray cat, a tree without leaves, a nameless author, a room without sun, an endless war, a colorless liquid. It was a moonless night. He looked tired after a sleepless night.
Exercise 3.
The suffix - ous means “full of” which comes from French e.g. danger + ous = dangerous
A. Form adjectives from nouns and translate them.
SAMPLE nerve + ous = nervous (nerve - nervous)
fame - ..., humor - ..., courage - ..., glory (y->i) - ..., poison - ..., space (i) - ...
IN. Use the words in the sentences.
- We don’t know if these chemicals are ____________ to people.
- She became ____________as a writer.
- I like to read___________stories.
- There are a lot of ________ snakes in the jungle.
- It was a _________victory.
- He was a ____________soldier.
- They liked the _______________rooms in their new house.
Exercise 4. The suffix -y.
A. Translate into Russian.
windy day, sunny weather, cloudy sky, sleepy child, dreamy girl, icy wind, healthy food
B. Form adjectives from the nouns and translate them.
SAMPLE swamp - swampy (swamp - swampy)
sand - ... , rock - ... , juice - ... , grass - ... , star(r) - ... , bone - ... , skin(n) - ..., water- ... , fog (g) - ..., swamp - ...
C. Put the adjectives from B into this sentences to make them complete.
- This … land is very good for farming. Cows and sheep can feed here all the year round.
- Peter, eat some more roast beef. You should eat more: you have grown so… (2 options)!
- On such … mornings it’s very difficult to drive, as you can’t see the road clearly.
- These are... apples. I like them most of all.
- My little brother never eats fish if it is….
- Holidaymakers love the … beaches in the south of Australia.
- Why does this coffee taste so... ?
- The picture shows the … mountains of Scotland.
- The sky is unusually… tonight.
- … places have a lot of water in all seasons.
Exercise 5. Translate into Russian the adjectives, ending with the suffix — ic.
gigantic hound, scientific expedition, domestic animal, academic year, Olympic games, thematic collection, basic knowledge
Exercise 6. Make up adjectives with the help of suffix -al and translate them.
SAMPLE music – musical (music – musical)
industry – …, culture – …, region – …, tradition – …, nature – …, nation – …, agriculture – …, comic – …
Exercise 7. Nationality suffixes
SAMPLE Britain – British
Scotland - ..., Spain - ..., Sweden - ..., Finland - ..., Denmark - ..., Poland - ..., Turkey - ...
SAMPLE Russia – Russian
America — …, Australia — .., Canada — …, Hungary — …, Belgium — …, Egypt — …, Italy — …, Europe — …
SAMPLE Japan – Japanese
China - ... , Portugal - ...
Mind: Germany - German, France - French, Holland - Dutch, Greece - Greek
Exercise 8. The suffix – able.
Suffix able has the value "can": movable means can move - can be moved (movable)
A. Form the words with the suffix – able.
move — .., count — …, eat — …, drink — …, comfort — …, imagine — …, break — …, read — …, respect — …., forget — …, believe — …
B. Use the words in the sentences:
- Though the cup is made of thin glass it is not……….(break).
- She thought of all names………to guess the name of their new classmate. (imagine).
- Everybody respects him. He is very …….. (respect).
- I can't read the book. It is not……(read).
- The nouns are divided into …………. and un…………… (count).
Exercise 9. Form the words with the suffix –ive.
create - ... , impress - ... , progress - ... , act - ... , mass - ... , impulse - ...
Exercise 10. Read the adjectives and spell the suffixes used in forming them.
SAMPLE changeable— The adjective changeabl e is formed with the help of the suffix -able.
successful, cloudless, collective, central, comic, satirical, dangerous, faultless, misty, courageous, aggressive, national, breakable
Exercise 11. Translate these combinations; say what words the adjectives are formed from.
a washable shirt, a skilful worker, democratic forces, the postal service, groundless suspicions, a humorous story, a gloomy scene, salty ham, professional interest, peaceful labour, a noiseless machine, a courageous soldier, a lucky ticket, a continental climate , a dusty road.
Exercise 12. Copy and translate all these adjectives. Learn them by heart
B. Listen to the adjectives and translate them by ear.
Word formation in English (repetition)
Noun suffixes. Repetition
Exercise 13. Form nouns from these adjectives using suffixes from the table.
able, near, distant, long, wide, strong, wise, kind, electric, short, white, probable, persistent, dependent, insistent, indifferent, unstable, patient, responsible, important, stupid, curious
That's all for now! I would be glad if my article is useful to you and you share the link on social networks!
Sources: exercises taken from various manuals, partially redone and modified. In particular, the textbooks “English language grades 5-11” by Afanasyeva O.V., Mikheeva I.V. were used.
Hello friends. Confusion can arise between suffixes and endings in English (both are often called word endings, “word endings”), and besides, English terminology in this matter is slightly different from Russian. So let's start with the basic concepts.
The ending is an inflectional morpheme. It changes the form of the word, but not its meaning, and at the same time carries a grammatical load:
- pencil - pencil s(the ending indicates the plural)
- work - work ed(the ending indicates the past tense)
The suffix, in turn, is a word-forming morpheme. Suffixes in English create new words, either changing the meaning of the original, or transforming one part of speech into another:
- red-redd ish(red - reddish)
- teach - teach er(teach - teacher)
There are very few endings in English - these are -s (-es), -ed and -ing. There are a huge number of suffixes in English. In this article we will consider only the most common ones.
Noun suffixes
1. Suffix -er (-or)
1) This suffix is used to form nouns from verbs (infinitive without to + -er, -or). A noun with this ending denotes either a device that performs the action expressed by the verb from which it is derived, or a person who performs this action.
- to play (play) - a player player
- to read (read) - a reader reader
- to mix (mix) - a mixer mixer
If the verb ends in e, then only the letter r is added, for example:
- to make (produce) - a maker producer
- to use - a user user
It should be remembered that you often have to resort to descriptive translation of nouns with the suffix -er, -or, for example:
- to lift (to lift) - a lifter lifting device
- to read (read) - a reader reading device
- to time (assign time, calculate by time) - and timer is a device that calculates time.
2. Suffix -ist
This is a very common suffix forming nouns denoting professionals, supporters of a social or scientific direction. It can be attached to nouns and adjectives.
3. Suffix -ian
Nouns with this suffix denote nationality or rank and profession, for example:
Russian - Russian, academician - academician, musician - musician, Darwinian - Darwinist.
Words formed by adding the suffix -ian can also be translated by adjectives, for example:
the Russian language - Russian language
Neo-Darwinian interpretation of evolution - neo-Darwinian interpretation of evolution.
Note! Nouns and adjectives denoting nationality are always capitalized: Ukrainian, English, Russian, Polish, American.
4. Suffix -ity (spelling variants -ety, -iety)
forms abstract nouns with the meaning of state, quality, condition. The suffix -ity corresponds to the suffix -ost, for example:
- able (capable) - ability (ability)
- active (active) - activity (activity, activity)
- valid (valid, justified, effective) - validity (effectiveness, fairness, legality, validity)
5. The suffix -ing forms nouns from verbs, for example:
- to meet (meet) - meeting (meeting)
- to proceed (continue) - proceeding (practice, proceedings, notes (of a scientific society)
Note! Don't confuse nouns ending -ing with participles and gerunds
6. The suffix -hood forms nouns with meaning“condition, position, quality”, for example:
- child (child) - childhood (childhood)
- man (man) - manhood (masculinity)
7. The suffix -ment forms nouns denoting action, for example:
- to move (to move) - movement (movement)
Some words with this suffix take on the meaning of a collection of objects, for example:
- equipment
8. The suffix -ness forms nouns with the meaning “state, quality”, for example:
- dark (dark) - darkness (darkness)
- good (good) - goodness (kindness)
- great (great) - greatness (greatness)
9. The suffix -у forms abstract nouns from verbs, for example:
- to discover (open) - discovery (opening)
- to inquire (ask, find out) - inquiry (question, request)
10. The suffix -th forms nouns with the meaning of quality, for example:
- true (true, truthful) - truth (truth)
- health - (health)
By adding the suffix -th, nouns are formed from adjectives, often changing the root vowel, for example:
- long (long) - length (length)
- deep (deep) - depth (depth)
- strong (strong) - strength (strength)
11. The suffix -ant forms nouns with the meaning of person and substance, for example:
- to assist (help) - assistant assistant
- to serve (serve) - servant (servant)
- an oxidant (oxidizer), solvent (solvent)
12. The suffix -age forms nouns with different meanings, For example:
- to break (break) - breakage (breakage)
- to marry (marry) - marriage (wedding)
- courage (courage, boldness, courage)
13. The suffix -ism is characteristic of many languages, for example:
- Darwinism
- romanticism
- capitalism
- vandalism
14. The suffix -ure (-ture, -sure) forms nouns denoting a process, for example:
- to press (pressure) - pressure (pressure)
- to mix (mix) - mixture (mixing)
Many nouns formed with the help of these suffixes can mean the result of an action in the form of an object or substance, for example:
- mixture - medicine, mixture;
- fixture - fastening (part).
15. The suffix -ship forms nouns with the meaning of state, position or property, for example:
- friend (friend) - friendship (friendship)
- member (member) - membership (membership)
Table of noun suffixes
| Suffix meaning | Suffix | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| The meaning of a person’s belonging to a political movement, profession or nationality | -ist | specialist (specialist), socialist (socialist), artist (artist) historian (historian), librarian (librarian), Italian (Italian) musician (musician), Iranian (Iranian), Brazilian (Brazilian) European (European) |
| The meaning of following a doctrine, theory, political movement | -ism | capitalism (capitalism), heroism (heroism), socialism (socialism) |
| The meaning of the occupation or position of the actor | -eg | teacher (teacher), driver (driver), writer (writer) inventor (inventor), actor (actor) employee (employee), referee (sports referee) auctioneer (auctioneer), mountaineer (climber) servant (servant), assistant (assistant), student (student) beggar (beggar, beggar) drunkard (drunkard, alcoholic) financier (financier) |
| Action Result Value | -ment | achievement (achievement), arrangement (agreement) decade (decade), blockade (blockade) |
| Meaning a certain state, mode, degree of relationship | -hood | brotherhood (brotherhood), childhood (childhood) leadership (management), partnership (partnership) policy (policy), accuracy (accuracy), infancy (infancy) supremacy (superiority) |
| The meaning of an action, state, process, result | -age | shortage, leakage, marriage hunting (hunting), painting (painting) silence (silence), difference (difference) importance, resistance collection (meeting, collection), dictation (dictation, dictation) competition preparation (preparation), hesitation (doubt, hesitation) decision (decision), division (division) removal, arrival, refusal |
| Meaning of quality or condition | -dom | freedom (freedom), kingdom (kingdom), wisdom (wisdom) readiness (readiness), darkness (darkness), kindness (kindness) activity, safety possibility (opportunity), nationality (nationality) brilliancy (brilliance, magnificence), constancy (constancy) fluency (fluency), dependency (dependence) perjury (perjury), modesty (modesty) |
| Meaning of place of action, occupation or state | -ry | bakery (bakery), surgery (surgeon's office), cookery (cooking) factory (factory), laboratory (laboratory) |
| Designation of a particular branch of science | -ics | physics (physics), politics (politics), mathematics (mathematics) |
| Designation of female persons | -ess | waitress (waitress), actress (actress), poetess (poetess) usherette (ticket attendant) |
| Nationality designation | -ese | Chinese (Chinese), Japanese (Japanese) |
| Expression diminutive or a hint of disdain | -ie | birdie (birdie) cloudlet (cloud), kinglet (kinglet) |
| Designation of various measures | -th | length (length), growth (height), depth (depth) |
| Designation of various scientific concepts | -ture | mixture (mixture) failure (error, miss) measure pressure |
| Designation of general or abstract concepts, associations, groups | -ty | safety (security), royalty (monarchy) popularity honesty |
| Suffix of Latin origin | -sis | analysis (analysis), diagnosis (diagnosis) |
Suffixes in English: ly ful er ment
The English sentence is like an impenetrable forest, we took a wrong turn, and now we are lost among unfamiliar words. How can you avoid getting into trouble and correctly determine which part of speech is in front of you? Suffixes to the rescue! We have prepared useful material especially for you, thanks to which you will distinguish these mysterious parts of speech. Understanding the meanings of common affixes will help you understand the meanings of new words you come across. Let's go
So, by suffix we mean a letter or group of letters that is typically found at the end of a word in English. Thanks to this element, amazing metamorphoses occur, so a completely new one is formed from the original word, and sometimes the part of speech changes. Let's look at an example, the verb to create (create), by adding the suffix - or we get the noun creat or(creator). Let's construct an adjective in a similar way, but this time we choose the suffix - ive:creat ive(creative).
Since practicing and creating vocabulary is a useful task, we suggest paying attention to three important features:
First, sometimes adding a suffix changes the spelling of the root or stem. The word ends with a vowel -y, and is preceded by a consonant - y replace with - i. Here's an example:
- verb to justify y(to justify) > adjective justif i able (justified);
- adjective ugl y(ugly) > noun ugl i ness (ugliness).
Also, if by the way with a dumb word - e an affix is added at the end, then this vowel is simply falls out. For example:
- verb to us e(use) > adjective usable(practical);
- verb to adore e(adore) > adjective adorable(charming).
NOTA BENE: As with all rules of the English language, spelling, of course, has its exceptions. Therefore, if controversial questions arise, feel free to consult the dictionary.
Secondly, not all suffixes can be added to all roots, these are the owners of affixes, and there’s nothing you can do about it. For example:
- beauty y(beauty) + - ful > beautiful(beautiful);
- ugl y(ugly) + - ness > ugliness(ugliness).
But the words beauty or ugliful are not in the dictionary, since they do not exist in the language at all, period.
Thirdly, some suffixes have more than one meaning. How greedy! You all know the affix - er used in comparative degree: bright > bright er(brighter). However, the same suffix also means a person living in a specific place: London (London) > Londoner (resident of London).
Verb suffixes in English
An English verb, like any verb, means the state or action of an object or thing. The verb suffix is quite unpretentious and has the following meanings: happen, become, do or create.
NOTA BENE: Many verbs with the suffix - size, can also end with - ise. For example: real size& real ise(realize) or patron size& patron ise(take care). Two options occur, however, the verb suffix is - ise will use British. While - size use more Americans.
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| ate | become take place |
regulate ["regjəleɪt] - regulate eradicate [ɪ"rædɪkeɪt] - exterminate enunciate [ɪ"nʌn(t)sɪeɪt] - to expound repudiate - to reject evaporate [ɪ"væp(ə)reɪt] - evaporate |
| en | become take place |
harden ["hɑ:d(ə)n] - harden soften ["sɔf(ə)n] - soften enlighten [ɪn"laɪt(ə)n] - to enlighten strengthen ["streŋθ(ə)n] - strengthen loosen ["lu:s(ə)n] - loosen |
| size / ise | become take place |
civilise ["sɪv(ə)laɪz] - to civilize humanize ["hju:mənaɪz] - soften economise [ɪ"kɔnəmaɪz] - save utilize ["ju:tɪlaɪz] - spend valorize ["væl(ə)raɪz] - increase prices |
| ify/fy | do create become |
satisfy ["sætɪsfaɪ] - to satisfy rectify ["rektɪfaɪ] - to correct terrify ["terɪfaɪ] - to terrify exemplify [ɪk"semplɪfaɪ] - illustrate clarify ["klærɪfaɪ] - clarify |
Noun suffixes in English
A noun denotes some object or thing. The English noun suffix is distinguished by its diversity and includes the following elements: actor, quality or state, process or activity, etc.
NOTA BENE: If the verb ends in - here, but the noun will have a suffix - ence: to interfere > interfere ence(interference). If on - ate, -y, -ure / -ear, then the affix - ance: to devi ate(deviate) > devi ance(deviation); to appl y(apply) > appli ance(device); to cl ear(clear) > clear ance(cleaning).
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| ance / ence | state quality action |
extravagance [ɪk"strævəgən(t)s] - quirk preference ["pref(ə)r(ə)n(t)s] - preference utterance ["ʌt(ə)r(ə)n(t)s] - pronunciation |
| acy | state quality |
fallacy ["fæləsɪ] - cunning celibacy ["seləbəsɪ] - celibacy |
| ity/ty | quality characteristic |
probity ["prəubətɪ] - honesty royalty ["rɔɪəltɪ] - greatness |
| ment | state means result |
endorsement [ɪn"dɔ:smənt] - approval fragment ["frægmənt] - fragment excitement [ɪk"saɪtmənt] - excitement |
| al | action process |
recital - transfer denial - refusal |
| dom | state status |
boredom ["bɔ:dəm] - melancholy earldom ["ɜ:ldəm] - count's title |
| ness | state | preparedness - readiness wilderness ["wɪldənəs] - desert |
| xion / sion / tion | state action |
fluxion ["flʌkʃ(ə)n] - change concession - recognition relation - relation |
| hood | characteristic interest group Current state |
womanhood ["wumənhud] - femininity brotherhood ["brʌðəhud] - brotherhood childhood ["tʃaɪldhud] - brotherhood |
| ship | Current state interest group |
|
| ship | Current state interest group |
membership ["membəʃɪp] - membership friendship ["frendʃɪp] - friendship |
| ist | actor | narcissist ["nɑ:sɪsɪst] - “narcissist” novelist ["nɔv(ə)lɪst] - novelist |
| ee | actor | addressee [ædre"si:] - recipient employee [ɪmplɔɪ"i:] - employee |
| ess | female character | goddess ["gɔdes] - goddess waitress ["weɪtrəs] - waitress |
| ism | ideology action and result language features |
hedonism ["hi:d(ə)nɪz(ə)m] - hedonism exorcism ["skeptɪsɪz(ə)m] - skepticism Americanism [ə"merɪkənɪz(ə)m] - Americanism |
Adjective suffixes in English
An adjective is a part of speech that modifies a noun. The main meanings of the suffix include the following: absence or presence of quality, characteristic, ability, opportunity, etc.
| SUFFIX | MEANING | EXAMPLES |
|---|---|---|
| able / ible | capable possible important |
payable ["peɪəbl] - payable edible ["edɪbl] - fit for food fashionable ["fæʃ(ə)nəbl] - secular |
| al | related to | autumnal [ɔ:"tʌmn(ə)l] - autumn accidental [æksɪ"dent(ə)l] - random |
| ic/ical | related to | metallic - metallic Finnic ["fɪnɪk] - Finnish |
| esque | related to style manner or image |
arabesque [ærə"besk] - decorated picturesque - picturesque |
| ful | having quality characterizing |
masterful ["mɑ:stəf(ə)l] - self-willed woeful ["wəuf(ə)l] - sorrowful |
| ious / ous | having quality characterizing |
cautious ["kɔ:ʃəs] - careful nervous ["nɜ:vəs] - nervous |
| y | having quality characterizing |
sticky ["stɪkɪ] - sticky nerdy ["nɜ:dɪ] - boring |
| ive | having quality characterizing |
palliative ["pælɪətɪv] - softening corrective - corrective |
| ish | having quality characterizing in some ways |
girlish ["gɜ:lɪʃ] - girlish snobbish ["snɔbɪʃ] - snobbish pinkish ["pɪŋkɪʃ] - pinkish |
| less | lack of quality without anything |
skinless ["skɪnləs] - without skin childless ["tʃaɪldləs] - childless |
Adverb suffixes in English
An adverb is an irreplaceable part of speech that conveys a sign of a state or action primarily of a verb. The adverb suffix is modest and has only three meanings: direction or direction, characteristic or attribute, relation of one to another.
Conclusion
So, we have looked at the most common suffixes of different parts of speech in the English language. Think of the affix as a clue to the meaning of words. As in any detective story, sometimes the clues are visible to the naked eye and are quite obvious. In other cases, they can be confusing or misleading.
In any case, keep in mind that the meanings of words are best determined by examining the context in which they are used. We hope that this article was useful and informative for you.
We wish you success and development in English!
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If you determine that you have a noun with the endings “-ER” and “-OR”, then this is a specific noun indicating a person (profession, occupation, place of residence) or an object (tool, device, mechanism, device).
Suffix "-ER" comes from Old English and is productive. The suffix “-ER” gives the following meanings to the noun.
1. Attached to a verb and denotes a person, engaged in the type of activity indicated by the stem of the verb. This may be the name of a profession, position, rank or craft.
For example:
to BUILD = build + ER = BUILD ER= builder;
to DRIVE = drive a car, car + ER = DRIV ER= driver, driver;
to BAKE = bake bread + ER = BAK ER= baker;
to WELD = weld (metal) + ER = WELD ER= welder;
to DANCE = dance + ER = DANC ER= dancer;
to SELL = sell + ER = SELL ER= seller;
to DESIGN = to design, make sketches (clothes, shoes) + ER = DESIGN ER= designer; designer;
to COMMAND = command + ER = COMMAND ER= commander;
to PAINT = paint, paint + ER = PAINT ER= painter, artist;
to TEACH = teach, teach + ER = TEACH ER= teacher, teacher;
to WEAVE = weave + ER = WEAV ER= weaver;
to TURN = rotate, twirl + ER = TURN ER= turner;
to WEIGH = weigh + ER = WEIGH ER= weigher;
2. Attached to a verb and denotes a person, performing an action expressed by a verb. But this is not a profession, but simply an activity. Sometimes such nouns cannot be translated literally, then the translation is expressed in phrases.
For example:
to BEGIN = start + ER = BEGINN ER= beginner, beginner;
to OWN = own, possess + ER = OWN ER= owner;
to SLEEP = sleep + ER = SLEEP ER= sleeping, sleepyhead;
to EAT = eat, absorb + ER = EAT ER= eater;
Compound nouns are common.
For example:
CINEMA-GO ER= someone who often goes to the cinema, a movie lover, a moviegoer;
THEATER-GO ER= one who often goes to the theater, theatergoer, theatergoer;
NEW-COM ER= stranger, newcomer, newcomer;
EARLY-RIS ER= one who wakes up early, a “lark”.
LATE-RIS ER= one who wakes up late, “night owl”;
SCHOOL-LEAV ER= one who graduates from school, school graduate, applicant.
CHESS-PLAY ER= chess player, chess player.
STORY-TELL ER= storyteller, storyteller, inventor
WATCH-MAK ER= watchmaker;
BOOK-LOV ER= book lover;
TIME-WAST ER= someone who wastes time;
PLEASURE-SEEK ER= seeker of entertainment, seeker of pleasure;
RIGHT - HAND ER= right-handed;
LEFT - HAND ER= left-handed;
3. Points to a person living in a certain area or town.
For example:
LONDON —> LONDON ER= resident of London;
NEW-YORK —> NEW-YORK ER= New Yorker;
ISLAND —> ISLAND ER= islander, islander;
VILLAGE —> VILLAG ER= resident of a village, village;
COTTAGE —> COTTAG ER= resident of a country house;
RANCH —> RANCH ER= rancher;
SOUTHERN —> COUTHERN ER= southerner;
FOREIGN —> FOREIGN ER= foreigner;
STRANGE —> STRANG ER= stranger, foreigner;
HIGHLAND —> HIGHLAND ER= mountain dweller, mountaineer;
4. Denotes objects, with the help of which the action expressed by the verb is performed. These can be tools, devices, devices, mechanisms or equipment.
For example:
to CONTAIN = contain + ER = CONTAIN ER= container;
to CONTROL = regulate, control + ER = CONTROLL ER= regulator;
to BOIL = boil, heat + ER = BOIL ER= heater, boiler;
to MIX = mix + ER = MIX ER= mixer; mixer;
to BURN = burn, burn + ER = BURN ER= burner;
to CUT = cut + ER = CUTT ER= cutter, cutting tool;
to RACE = compete in speed + ER = RAC ER= racing car;
to GRIND = grind, grind + ER = GRIND ER= coffee mill, crusher;
to EXTINGUISH = extinguish, extinguish + ER = EXTINGUISH ER= extinguisher, fire extinguisher;
to PROPEL = to actuate + ER = PROPELL ER= propeller;
to RECTIFY = correct, clear + ER = RECTIFI ER= cleaner, straightener;
to MAGNIFY = increase + ER = MAGNIFI ER= magnifying glass, magnifying glass;
The suffix “-OR” comes from Latin and is unproductive. It mainly refers to nouns related to science and technology. The suffix "-OR" gives nouns the same meaning as the suffix "-ER", except to designate a person living in a particular area.
1. Denotes a profession, craft, rank, position person.
to ACT = play theater + OR = ACT OR= actor;
to DOCTOR = to treat, to practice medicine = DOCT OR= doctor, doctor;
to DIRECT = direct + OR = DIRECT OR= manager, director;
to TRANSLATE = translate from one language to another + OR = TRANSLAT OR= translator;
to CONDUCT = accompany, lead; conduct an orchestra + OR = CONDUCT OR= conductor, conductor; the conductor of orchestra;
to PROFESS = train, teach + OR = PROFESS OR= teacher, professor;
to CONSTRUCT = construct, build + OR = CONSTRUCT OR designer, builder;
to EDIT = edit + OR = EDIT OR= editor;
to INSPECT = inspect, examine + OR = INSPECT OR= inspector, auditor;
to SAIL = sail on a ship, sail + OR = SAIL OR= sailor, sailor;
to INVENT = invent, invent + OR = INVENT OR= inventor, inventor;
to GOVERN = manage, rule + OR = GOVERN OR= manager; governor;
2. Indicates a person’s occupation expressed by a verb. But this is not related to profession or craft.
For example:
to VISIT = to visit, visit, pay a visit + OR = VISIT OR= visitor, visitor;
to NARRATE = tell, narrate + OR = NARRAT OR= narrator;
to DEMONSTRATE = demonstrate + OR = DEMONSTRAT OR= demonstrator, demonstration participant;
to CREATE = create, create + OR = CREAT OR= creator, originator, author;
to SPECULATE = reflect, speculate + OR = SPECULAT OR= thinker, speculator; one who plays on the stock exchange;
3. Denotes objects with the help of which the action expressed by the verb is performed. These can be tools, devices, mechanisms, devices.
For example:
to GENERATE = generate, generate + OR = GENERAT OR= generator;
to ELEVATE = raise + OR = ELEVAT OR= elevator;
to INDICATE = indicate, show + OR = INDICAT OR= indicator, pointer;
to PERFORATE = drill + OR = PERFORAT OR= hammer drill;
to VENTILATE = ventilate, ventilate + OR = VENTILAT OR= fan;
to PROTECT = protect + OR = PROTECT OR= protector;
to SEPARATE = separate + OR = SEPARAT OR= separator;
to CALCULATE = carry out calculations + OR = CALCULAT OR= calculator;
to RADIATE = radiate + OR = RADIAT OR= radiator;
to COMPRESS = compress + OR = COMPRESS OR= compressor;
REVERSE. By the sound of words in Russian, you can guess from which English verb they originated. There are a lot of such words in our everyday life and it would be stupid to look for them in the dictionary. Everyone knows the meaning of words such as LEADER, MANAGER, DIRECTOR, RADIATOR, BATTERY, DECORATOR, INSPECTOR, INDICATOR, CALCULATOR, SEPARATOR, MIXER, COMPUTER, PROTECTOR. Each of these words corresponds to an English verb, the meaning of which is clear without translation.
