Suffix Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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suffix
[ˈsʌfɪks ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
word ending
A suffix is a letter or a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or form. Suffixes can indicate verb tense, noun plurals, adverb formation, and much more.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The suffix -ed is added to verbs to show past tense (e.g. walked, talked).
- The suffix -s is added to nouns to indicate plural form (e.g. cats, dogs).
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Linguistics
- Suffixes can change a word's part of speech, like changing a noun to an adjective with '-ful', as in 'beauty' to 'beautiful'.
- They often convey grammatical information, such as tense in verbs; for example, 'walk' becomes 'walked'.
- In English, there are many common suffixes, including -ness, -ly, and -ing, each altering meaning or function.
Cognitive Science
- Learning suffixes can improve vocabulary skills, as it helps to decode and create new words more easily.
- Children often learn suffixes as part of creative word play, enhancing their linguistic capabilities during early education.
- Research shows that understanding suffixes allows for better reading comprehension, as word meaning becomes clearer.
Pop Culture
- Suffixes are often highlighted in puzzles and games, like crosswords or word searches, making learning fun.
- The popular online game 'Scrabble' encourages players to use suffixes for higher scoring words.
- Suffixes like '-zilla' (e.g., 'bridezilla') have found their way into pop culture, often to convey exaggerated characteristics.
Education
- Many language arts curriculums focus on teaching suffixes as a strategy for word formation and vocabulary expansion.
- Suffix workshops in classrooms help students collaboratively build new words and strengthen their spelling skills.
- Understanding how to use suffixes is crucial for mastering a second language and can facilitate quicker learning.
Origin of 'suffix'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'suffix' comes from the Latin 'suffigere', meaning 'to attach underneath'.
- It dates back to the early 16th century, first used to describe a word ending in English.
- In linguistics, a suffix is distinct from a prefix, which is added at the beginning of words.
The word 'suffix' originated from the Latin word 'suffigere', which means 'to fasten below'. The concept of suffixes has been present in languages for centuries, with various languages using different suffixes to modify words. The study of suffixes and their meanings is an integral part of linguistics and language development.