Sample lecture Course syllabus
Adjective marking Suffixes
Adjective suffixes usually have the following generic meaning:
of the characteristic, having the quality of
But some adjective suffixes do have specific meanings.
-able, -ible (being capable of)
adaptable, credible, risible, terrible, predictable, preventable, edible, presentable, legible, flammable, discernible, culpable, accountable, acceptable, unbearable, dishonorable, irreversible, unsustainable, intolerable
-al (of the characteristic)
natural, criminal, theatrical, accidental, regional, brutal, facial, mental, spiritual, personal, regional, universal, seasonal, arterial, cranial, medial, biological, environmental, supplemental, technical, visual
-ane (of the characteristic)
arcane, humane, mundane, urbane
-ant (of the characteristic)
reliant, defiant, vigilant, brilliant, verdant, important, relevant, reluctant, significant, tolerant
-ary (of the characteristic)
cautionary, customary, momentary, dietary, veterinary, planetary
-ent (of the characteristic)
eloquent, intelligent, consistent, evident, negligent, proficient, sufficient, urgent
-escent (becoming)
luminescent, phosphorescent, evanescent, pubescent, adolescent
-ferous (bearing)
coniferous, soporiferous, vociferous, luciferous
-fic (making)
beatific, horrific, malefic, scientific,
-ful (full of)
colorful, grateful, hopeful, respectful, wonderful, fanciful, beautiful, skillful, successful, delightful, awful, careful, doubtful, fearful, helpful
-genic (creating)
carcinogenic, eugenic, mutagenic, photogenic
-ic (of the characteristic)
athletic, scenic, fantastic, organic, acidic, historic, domestic, emphatic, metallic, patriotic, realistic, symbolic, sympathetic, poetic, iconic, basic, scientific, rhythmic, photographic, antibiotic, neurotic, symbiotic
-ical (of the characteristic)
practical, logical, magical, statistical, alphabetical, historical
-id (being in the state of)
acid, gelid, limpid, tepid
-ile (being in the state of)
agile, docile, facile, fertile, fragile, fusile, futile, juvenile, prehensile, puerile, docile, senile, sterile
-ious, -ous: full of
cautious, humorous, gracious, fabulous, dangerous, mysterious, nervous, victorious, poisonous, courteous, spacious, specious, malicious, audacious, perspicacious, porous, rigorous, verbose, lachrymose, morose, courageous, erroneous, malicious, nervous, serious, nauseous, gaseous, envious, obvious
-ish (of the characteristic)
sheepish, foolish, childish, selfish, girlish, pinkish, smallish, yellowish, reddish, Scottish
-ive (of the characteristic)
expensive, pensive, creative, disruptive, quantitative, effusive, abusive, conclusive, exclusive, ineffective, supportive
-less: without something
faultless, fearless, useless, friendless, homeless, worthless, penniless, hopeless, powerless, needless, restless, listless
-like (resembling)
childlike, birdlike, warlike, lifelike, ladylike
-some (of the characteristic)
gruesome, lonesome, twosome, awesome, burdensome
-ular (of the characteristic)
cellular, circular, singular
-y (of the characteristic)
fruity, tasty, brainy, grouchy, rainy, funny, messy, dirty, spotty, noisy
Verb marking Suffixes
Verb suffixes have the meaning to do, to make, to cause, or to become
-en
fasten, strengthen, soften, awaken, blacken, broaden, deafen, flatten, gladden, tighten, shorten, sweeten, strengthen, lengthen, brighten, darken
-ate
accommodate, activate, animate, captivate, consolidate, cooperate, decorate, allocate, concentrate, consecrate, enervate, eradicate
-ify, -fy
classify, codify, clarify, crucify, defy, falsify, intensify, modify, satisfy, simplify, unify, exemplify, identify, justify, notify, terrify, purify, putrefy, simplify, stupefy, magnify, rectify
-ize
authorize, commercialize, idealize, ionize, metastasize, realize, victimize, rationalize, harmonize, specialize, apologize, characterize, digitalize, socialize, symbolize, stabilize, familiarize, advertise, colonize, civilize
Adverb marking Suffixes
Adverb suffixes have the meaning of “in the manner something is being done.”
The most common adverb suffix is -ly which is added to plain adjectives.
-ly :
in the manner of
bravely, simply, honestly, gladly, lately, rightly, completely, really, definitely, maturely, carefully, carelessly, conversely, effortlessly, logically, realistically
-ward, -wards: to a certain direction
backward, inward, outward, wayward, awkward, afterward, downwards, homeward(s), upwards
- wise : in relation to
clockwise, counter-clockwise, edgewise, lengthwise, otherwise, crosswise, likewise
-where (relating to a location)
anywhere, everywhere, nowhere, somewhere