Suffixes of nouns in English: rules, examples. Suffixes in English

In this lesson from the section we will continue talking about noun suffixes. We have already covered These are five suffixes.

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Now let's look at the remaining suffixes to get a complete picture of how nouns are formed in English. If you are preparing for an English language exam in the form of the Unified State Exam, then knowing them is simply necessary.

Total at English noun 16 suffixes:

  • -er/or, -tion, -ing, -ness, -ence/ance (main list - 9th grade),
  • -hood, -ship, -dom, -th, -t, -(i)ty, -ment, -age, -ure, -ee, -ist (extended list - 11th grade).

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Word formation of nouns

Noun suffixes in English

1.Suffixes -hood, -ship, -dom, with the help of which nouns are formed from other nouns and adjectives.

noun/adj + Ʌ =noun

  1. hood
    child - childhood (child - childhood)
    neighbor - neighborhood (neighbor - neighborhood)
  2. ship
    friend - friendship (friend - friendship)
    champion - championship (champion - championship)
    partner - partnership (partner - partnership)
  3. dom
    king - kingdom (king - kingdom)
    free - freedom (free - freedom)
    wise - wisdom (wise - wisdom)

2. Suffixes -th, -t, -(i)ty, with the help of which nouns are formed from adjectives.

adj + Ʌ =noun

  1. th(possibly alternating a vowel at the root of a word)
    warm - warmth (warm - warmth)
    long - length
    strong - strength
    wide - width
    deep - depth
    young - youth
  2. t: high - height (high - height)
  3. (i)ty
    electric - electricity (electric - electricity)
    possible - possibility
    probable - probability

3. Suffixes -ment, -age, -ure, with the help of which nouns are formed from verbs.

verb + Ʌ =noun

  1. ment
    state - statement (state - statement)
    develop - development
  2. age
    marry - marriage (marry - marriage, marriage)
    break - breakage
  3. ure
    press - pressure (press - pressure)
    please - pleasure
    depart - departure

4. And we will separately consider the suffixes of the profession — ist and suffix -ee.

  1. ist
    biology - biologist (biology - biologist)
    psychology - psychologist (psychology - psychologist)
  2. ee
    address - addressee (address - addressee/recipient)
    employer - employee (employer - employee)

Total turned out 11 suffixes. To remember them, I recommend learning 11 words (the simplest ones) with these suffixes in the form of mnemonic phrases. For example, these:

1.In my childhood I made a friendship with a king of a kingdom. He had good strength and great height. — As a child, I made friends with the king of one kingdom. He had great strength and enormous growth.

2.Electricity resulted from the development of science. — Electricity was the result of the development of science.

3.The breakage was because of high pressure.— The breakdown was due to high pressure.

Suffixes of nouns in English. Exercises

Exercise 1. Read the noun and indicate the suffix with which it is formed.

EXAMPLE. performance - The noun performance e is formed with the help of the suffix -ance.

silence, biologist, employment, humanity, modesty, settlement, feeling

Exercise 2. Find a noun in each line and translate it.

Exercise 3. Form nouns with the indicated suffixes from the stems of the highlighted words and write them.

- ment:
1.The child was greatly excited when he received a big bear as a birthday present.
The child’s ____________was very great.

2. My English has improved very little for the last two months.
There is very little ___________ in my English, I am afraid.

3. The children enjoyed entertaining the guests.
They enjoyed giving an _____________ for their guests.

—tion
4. He collected a good library of books.
He had a good __________ of books.

5. The machines exhibited in the hall were very interesting to us.
The machines at the ___________ are very interesting.

6. He said he wanted to continue studying after he graduated from the institute.
He said he wanted to continue studying after….

— ance
7. The scientists had difficulty explaining how the star had disappeared.
They had difficulty in explaining the____________.of the star.

—ence
8. We were surprised to find out how different her speech had become.
We were surprised at the ________________in her speech.

Exercise 4. Fill in the spaces with verbs formed from the nouns given in brackets.

1. He said good bye and ____________ (departure)
2. Your pronunciation has _____________ wonderfully. (improvement)
3. The doctor ______________the boy’s arm carefully. (examination)

Exercise 5. Fill in the blanks with nouns formed from the verbs given in brackets.

1. This rare book is the first _____________ of Pushkin’s poems. (to edit)
2. The sixth-form pupils’ English ___________was much better this year. (to perform)
3. The dancer’s__________became slower and slower (to move).

Exercise 6. Form nouns from adjectives.

  1. thirsty
  2. hungry
  3. shady

To test yourself, use the DICTIONARY dictionary in the lower right corner. If you click on the arrows, a dictionary window will appear and you need to enter a word that will be the answer.

For example, 1. thirsty (thirsty) - ? your option(thirst).

Enter the word thirst into the dictionary and check if it matches your option t with the one the dictionary suggests.


Exercise 7.Make the right choice. Translate the sentence.
1. What is the (long, length) of the corridor?
2. How (long, length) is the street?
3. He is not (strong, strength) enough to fight with John?
4. My brother can lift the box because of his (strong, strength).
5. Nelly’s skirt is too (wide, width).
6. We can’t get the piano through the door because of its (wide, width).
7. Is spring a (warmth, warm) season?
8. We felt the (warm, warmth) of the sun on out faces and hands.
9. We were surprised at your formal (polite, politeness).
10. We were not struck by the (white, whiteness) of the snow.

Exercise 8. Rewrite the phrases, indicating in brackets the word from which the noun is formed. Translate them.

EXAMPLE. whole-hearted devotion (devote) - devotion with all your heart

whole-hearted devotion, gloomy silence, an outstanding novelist, gathering darkness, limitless possibilities, an important addition, a noticeable improvement, complete understanding, widespread popularity, a gymnastic competition, a new acquaintance, a small settlement, an important announcement.

Exercise 9. Form nouns from these verbs using suffixes: -er/-or -ment -(a)tion -ion -age -ure -th.

to construct, to equip, to divide, to inform, to mix, to observe, to move, to break, to direct, to compete, to grow, to press, to radiate, to develop, to protect, to transport, to solve , to recognize , to measure, to fail, to vibrate, to reflect, to treat, to improve, to elect, to educate, to manage, to govern, to achieve, to imagine, to attract

Exercise 10. B put in the spaces abstract nouns formed from the words given in brackets.

1. Suvorov always showed great courage and __________. (wise)
2. The traveler had to overcome many __________. (difficult)
3. He sat resting, enjoying the ___________ of the fire. (warm)
4. He suffered from his own __________. (fool)
5. This man has extraordinary __________. (strong)
6. The balloon floated at the _________of one mile. (high)
7. She remembered the happy days of her __________. (young)
8. The __________ of the canal is seventy kilometers. (long)
9. Its _________ is one hundred meters. (wide)
10. When he came round he felt a strange ____________and could not stand up (weak).

So, I hope that by completing a cycle of exercises on topic “Word formation of nouns in English” did you remember 16 basic noun suffixes. But if you still have questions, write in the comments. Author, Tatyana Nabeeva

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, and also 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.

  1. er/or
  2. ence/ance

1. Suffixes of nouns formed from a verb

verb + Ʌ =noun

  1. -er/or(doer suffix)
    dance - dancer (dance - dancer)
    work - worker
    collect - collector (collect - collector)
    invent - inventor
  2. -tion(process suffix)
    collect - collection (collection, collection)
    invent - invention
  3. -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

  1. -ness
    ill - illness (patient - illness)
    kind - kindness
  2. -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.

  1. weak
  2. polite -
  3. fresh -
  4. ugly -
  5. cold -
  6. dark —
  7. careful -

Exercise 5. Suffix –er.Guess the profession.

EXAMPLE. Someone who bakes bread is a baker

  1. Someone who interviews people is a….
  2. Someone who plays football is a…
  3. Someone who eats well is a…
  4. Someone who sleeps well is a…
  5. Someone who rules the country is a…
  6. Someone who explores new lands is a…
  7. Someone who makes or repairs shoes is a…
  8. Someone who always causes trouble is a…
  9. Someone who makes films is a…
  10. 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.

  1. collect -
  2. explain -
  3. protect —
  4. prepare -
  5. found -
  6. inform
  7. celebrate -
  8. compose -
  9. create -
  10. 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:

  1. import ant-import ance
  2. differ ent- differ ence
  3. indifferent - indifference
  4. independent - independence
  5. dependent - dependence
  6. patient - patience
  7. persistent - persistence
  8. insistent - insistence
  9. indulgent - indulgence

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; orchestra conductor;

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.

There are several ways to form new words through suffixes and prefixes, compounding or conversion.

What is a suffix? Suffix- this is a significant part of the word, which is located after the root and usually serves to form new words. The peculiarity of suffixes is that with their help we can form new words and even change parts of speech. Suffixes can be added to both simple words and derivatives. They can join nouns, adjectives and verbs. For example:

    verb: to differ ["dıfə] to differ ->

    adj.: natural natural ->

    creatures,: dock dock ->

What is a prefix? Prefix- a word-forming particle that is used at the beginning of the original word. Prefixes usually form words that are the same as the grammatical category of the original word. They perform mainly a semantic function. There are a huge number of prefixes in the English language. For example:

    verb: to cover ->

    adj.: usual usual ->

First of all, learn the prefixes ( dis-, un-, re-) and suffixes ( -ly, -ment, -ful, -less).

Compounding

Compounding is the formation of a new word from two or more words. In Russian, when combining two words into one, the connecting vowel o or e is used (plumbing, vacuum cleaner, thick-walled). In English, two words are joined directly together, with the stress usually falling on the first word. For example

    handbook ["hændbʋk] - hand (hand) + book (book) = directory

    something ["sʌmθıŋ] - some (some) + thing (thing) = something

    to whitewash ["waıtwɒʃ] - white (white) + wash (wash) = whiten.

Complex words are usually written together, but sometimes with a hyphen, for example: water (water) + way (way) water-way (waterway).

Conversion

Conversion is a method of forming new words in which another part of speech is formed from one part of speech without any changes in the external form of the word. The most common conversion model is: noun → verb, for example: a test → to test, a check → to check.

When converting two- and polysyllabic nouns with stress on the first or second syllable, the stress in verbs is transferred to the last syllable. For example:

    export ["ekspɔ:t] export -> to export export

    progress ["prəʋ(g)rəs] progress -> to progress progress.

A common case of conversion is when an adjective becomes a noun. For example:

    international international -> the International [,ıntə(:)"næʃənl] International

    intellectual intellectual -> an intellectual [,ıntı"lektjʋəl] intellectual

Word formation using suffixes and prefixes

Word formation by adding suffixes and prefixes is the most productive way. Almost every line of text contains derivative words. Let's remember what a suffix and a prefix are:

suffix- a word-forming particle at the end of the original word. Suffixes can be added to both simple words and derivatives. They can be attached to nouns, adjectives and verbs, while forming new words of the same or a different grammatical category. For example:

    verb: to differ ["dıfə] differ -> adj.: different ["dıfr(ə)nt] different

    adj.: natural natural -> adverb: naturally ["nætʃrəlı] naturally

    creatures: dock dock -> creatures: docker ["dɒkə] docker;

prefix- a word-forming particle that is used at the beginning of the original word. Prefixes usually form words that are the same as the grammatical category of the original word. They serve mainly a semantic function. For example

    verb: to cover -> verb: to discover

    adj.: usual usual -> adj.: unusual [ʌn"jʋ:ʒʋəl] unusual.

Adverb suffix -ly

Adverb suffixes -ly

Most adverbs are formed by adding suffixes to adjectives and nouns. The most productive among them is the suffix -lu, with the help of which many adverbs are formed from adjectives, and the meaning of the original adjective is almost always preserved. For example

    brief brief - briefly ["brı:flı] briefly

    equal ["(ı:)kw(ə)l] equal - equally ["(ı:)kwəlı] equal, equally

    absolute ["æbs(ə)lʋ:t] complete, absolute - absolutely absolutely

    violent ["vaıələnt] frantic, furious - violently frantically, furiously.

Adverb suffixes -wise, -ward and prefix a-

    Suffix -wise when combined with nouns and adjectives, it forms adverbs indicating that an action is performed in the manner indicated by the stem. When translating such adverbs, you can use words in an image, a way.

For example: a step - stepwise - step by step way, gradually and clock (clock) - clockwise ["klɒkwaız] - clockwise, anti-clockwise - counterclockwise.

    Suffix -ward(s) in combination with nouns, adverbs, adjectives and prepositions, it forms adverbs indicating the direction in which the action is performed.

For example: sea (sea) - seaward(s) ["sı:wəd] towards the sea side (side) - sideward(s) ["saıdwəd] towards back (back) - backward ["bækwəd] back in (in ) - inward ["ınwəd] inward out (from) - outward(s) ["aʋtwəd] from, outward.

Note that adverbs formed with the suffix -ward may or may not have the ending -s, while an adjective with such a suffix never ends -s, compare: The lift went downward(s).- The elevator went down. But: The downward movement of the lift... -The movement of the elevator (what?) down...

    Prefix a- in combination with adjectives and nouns it forms adverbs.

For example: new (new) - anew [ə"njʋ:] again, in a new way round (round) - around [ə"raʋnd] around bed (bed) - abed [ə"bed] in bed field (field) - afield [ə"fı:ld] in the field.

Noun suffixes -ity, -ing, -hood, -ment, -ness

Noun suffixes -ity, -ing, -hood, -ment, -ness

    Suffix -ity(spelling options -ety, -iety) forms abstract nouns with the meaning of state, quality, condition. Suffix - ity corresponds to the suffix -ost. For example:

    able (capable) - ability [ə"bılıtı] ability

    active (active) - activity [æk"tıvıtı] activity, activity

    valid (valid, justified, effective) - validity, effectiveness, fairness, legality, validity.

    Suffix -hood forms nouns with the meaning “state, position, quality.” For example:

    child (child) - childhood ["tʃaıldhʋd] childhood

    man (man) - manhood ["mænhʋd] masculinity.

    Suffix -ment forms nouns denoting action. Some words with this suffix become meaning of a set of objects. For example: equipment [ı"kwıpmənt]equipment.

    to move (to move) - movement ["mʋ:vmənt] - movement.

    to environ [ɪn"vaɪər(ə)n] surround - environment [ɪn"vaɪər(ə)nmənt ] surroundings, environment

    to commit to take on obligations - commitment

    to argue ["ɑːgjuː] argue, argue, prove - argument ["ɑːgjəmənt] argument, argument

    Suffix -ness forms nouns with the meaning “state, quality”. For example:

    dark dark - darkness ["dɑ:knıs] darkness

    good good - goodness ["gʋdnıs] kindness

    great great - greatness ["greıtnıs] greatness.

    happy happy - happiness ["hæpɪnəs] happiness

    polite polite, courteous, courteous - politeness politeness, courtesy, courtesy

    fair fair, decent, honest, legal - fairness ["feənəs] justice, honesty, legality

Adjective suffixes -ful, -less, -ive, -ic, -al, -ous

Adjective suffixes -ful, -less, -ive, -ic, -al, -ous

Suffix -ful forms adjectives based on nouns with the meaning “possessing (fully) the quality expressed by the stem.” For example:

    peace peace - peaceful ["piːsf(ə)l ], [-ful] quiet, calm, peaceful

    hope hope - hopeful;

    care care - careful caring, thorough;

    beauty beauty - beautiful ["bjʋ:tıfʋl] beautiful, wonderful;

    help help - helpful ["helpfʋl] useful.

Suffix -less forms adjectives with the opposite meaning: “devoid of the quality expressed by the stem,” and corresponds to the Russian prefix bez-, ne-,. For example:

    doubt doubt - doubtless ["daʋtlıs] undoubted;

    homeless ["həumləs] - homeless

    hopeless - hopeless;

    helpless - helpless;

    careless - carefree;

    use benefit, meaning, use, use, enjoy - useless ["juːsləs] useless; worthless

Suffix -ive forms adjectives based on verbs and nouns and corresponds to the Russian suffix -iv-. For example:

    to create - creative creative, creative;

    to act -active ["æktıv] active;

    to impress to impress, to amaze - impressive [ım"presıv] impressive, expressive;

    an impulse impulse - impulsive [ım"pʌlsıv] impulsive;

    a mass - massive ["mæsıv] massive.

Suffix -ic forms adjectives with meanings:

    having the composition or structure of a base: atom atom -atomic [ə"tɒmık] atomic;

    resembling someone: Homeric - Homeric, Homeric; Byronic - Byronic.

Suffix -al forms large number adjectives with the meaning: having a nature, relating to what is expressed by the stem, For example:

Suffix -ous indicates a characteristic or quality, as well as chemical composition. For example:

    sulphurous - sulfur-containing

    an anonymous anonymous - anonymous (anonymous)

    dangerous - dangerous

    various - various

    a poisonous tree - poisonous tree

Adjective suffixes -able (-ible), -ent, -ant, -ate, -y, -ed

Adjective suffixes -able (-ible), -ent, -ant, -ate, -y, -ed

    Suffix -able (-ible) most often forms adjectives from verbs, the Russian equivalent of which is adjectives with the suffix -imiy (possible as opposed to performed). Such adjectives can also be translated into subordinate clauses, starting with the words which can + the infinitive of the original verb. It should be remembered that the suffix is ​​never stressed. For example:

    to detect - detectable which can be detected, detectable (not: detectable);

    to observe (observe) - observable [əb"zɜ:vəbl] which can be observed (not: observable)

    memorable ["mem(ə)rəbl] memorable, unforgettable

They took measures justifiable under these conditions. - They took measures that could be justified under these conditions. We consider events observable in all the situations. - We consider (only) events that can be observed in all these situations.

If such an adjective comes after the linking verb be, then during translation the word that is omitted and only the possible + infinitive of the original verb remains in the sentence, for example: It is regrettable that... You can regret that... The value is negligible. This value can be neglected.

If verb ends in e, then when adding the suffixes -able, -ible, this letter (e) disappears, for example: to receive - receivable which can be received. If verb ends in -y, then when forming an adjective y changes to i, for example: to rely (on) - reliable on which you can rely

    Suffix -ent occurs in adjectives with different meanings. For example:

    current ["kʌr(ə)nt] - current, modern;

    evident ["evıd(ə)nt] - obvious.

    confident ["kɔnfɪd(ə)nt] - confident

    Suffix -ant forms adjectives that characterize persons or things as having or exhibiting certain qualities. For example:

    observant [əb"zɜ:v(ə)nt] - observant

    relevant ["relıvənt] - relevant, relevant (the suffix -ant can also form nouns).

    Suffix -ate found in adjectives with various meanings, for example: moderate ["mɒdəreıt] - moderate, seasoned; adequate ["ædıkwıt] - appropriate, adequate. (The suffix -ate can also form verbs.)

    Suffix -у forms adjectives with the meaning “having the quality of what is indicated by the stem.” For example:

    dirt (dirt) - dirty ["dɜ:tı] dirty

    fun (joke, fun) - funny ["fʌnı] cheerful, amusing

    pretty ["prıtı] - pretty; (the suffix -у can also form nouns).

    Suffix -ed forms adjectives: with the meaning of any attribute or possession of something, for example: property (property) - propertied ["prɒpətıd] possessor, possessing property; denoting any form, for example: arch (arch) - arched ["ɑ: tʃt] curved; denoting character or state, for example: educated ["edjʋ:keıtıd] educated. Endings ed/ing. The suffix -ed is often found in complex adjectives, for example: thick-walled [,θık"wɔ:ld] - thick-walled, many-sided [ "menı"saıdıd] - multilateral, ill-informed ["ılın"fɔ:md] - incorrectly informed.

Prefixes de-, dis-, mis-, pre-, fore-, under-, over-

Prefixes de-, dis-, mis-, pre-, fore-, under-, over-

    The prefix de- usually means to deprive what is indicated by the base, to remove, to remove what is indicated by the base (in Russian this prefix also exists: degassation), for example:

    to code to encode - to decode to decode, decipher;

    declassed ["dı:"klɑ:st] - declassed. A number of verbs with the prefixes de-, formed from nouns denoting the type of transport, convey the meaning of “get off from, disembark from”, for example: to detrain (train - train) - get off the train.

    Prefix dis- usually expresses the opposite, opposite action or negation. Sometimes it conveys the meaning to remove, deprive, get rid of what is indicated by the stem (Russian: disqualification). For example:

    to allow [ə"laʋ] to allow - to disallow ["dısə"laʋ] to prohibit

    to appear [ə"pıə] to appear - to disappear [,dısə"pıə] to disappear.

    to continue - to discontinue

    The prefix mis- expresses the error of the action. For example:

to take - to mistake

To apply [ə"plaı] apply - to misapply, misapply, abuse.

    The prefixes pre- and fore- usually express precedence. In Russian translation, you can use words in advance, in advance. For example:

to see - to foresee

To show to show - to foreshow to foretell to heat to heat - to preheat to preheat.

    The prefix pre- can be used with many verbs that you want to give precedence to.

    The prefix under- ["ʌndə] forms verbs with the following meanings:

being or acting under something, for example: to lie - to underlie [,ʌndə"laı] to lie under something; incomplete, insufficient action, for example: to load - to underload ["ʌndə"ləʋd] to underload, load incompletely.

This prefix corresponds to the Russian prefix under-, for example: to do - underdone ["ʌndə"dʋ:] unfinished. The prefix over- forms verbs with the following meanings:

Movements over something, for example: to leap - to overleap [,əʋvə"lı:p] to jump over; excessiveness (of action, state), beyond the norm, for example: to load - to overload ["əʋvə"ləʋd] to load beyond norms, overload.

It should be noted that the Russian prefix conveys not only the meaning above the norm (to overload), but also another meaning: to overload into another car. Therefore, when translating verbs with the prefix over- you need to be careful

case (box) - to encase [ın"keıs] put in a box

cage (cage) - to encage [ın"keıdʒ] to put in a cage;

crypt (crypt, cache) - to encrypt

bring to the state indicated by the base. For example:

    large (big) - to enlarge [ın"lɑ:dʒ] to increase (xia)

    to enliven [ın"laıvən] - to enliven, to make more interesting

    Prefix re- usually expresses the repetition of an action, and sometimes it corresponds to the Russian prefix pere-. English verbs with the prefix re- usually have two stresses: on the prefix and on the stem. For example:

    to make (to do) - to remake ["rı:"meık] to redo

    to create - to recreate

However, we must remember that the Russian prefix does not always correspond to English prefix re-, since it often conveys the meaning of exceeding the norm, for example, oversalting. Therefore, when translating words with the prefix re-, use the words again, again, again, etc. For example: to estimate - to re(-)estimate ["rı:"estımıt] estimate again, again (and not: overestimate ).

    Prefix be- means: to make it as indicated by the base, or to give a sign or quality expressed by the base, for example: little (small) - to belittle, to belittle.

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 comparatively: 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.

TABLE: VERB SUFFIXES
SUFFIXMEANINGEXAMPLES
ate become
happen		 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
happen		 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
happen		 civilise ["sɪv(ə)laɪz] - to civilize
humanize ["hju:mənaɪz] - soften
economise [ɪ"kɔnəmaɪz] - save
utilize ["ju:tɪlaɪz] - spend
valorize ["væl(ə)raɪz] - raise 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).

TABLE: NOUN SUFFIXES
SUFFIXMEANINGEXAMPLES
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 - relationship
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 character narcissist ["nɑ:sɪsɪst] - “narcissist”
novelist ["nɔv(ə)lɪst] - novelist
ee character 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.

TABLE: ADJECTIVE SUFFIXES
SUFFIXMEANINGEXAMPLES
able / ible capable
possible
important		 payable ["peɪəbl] - payable
edible ["edɪbl] - fit for food
fashionable ["fæʃ(ə)nəbl] - secular
al relating to autumnal [ɔ:"tʌmn(ə)l] - autumn
accidental [æksɪ"dent(ə)l] - random
ic/ical relating 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
to some extent		 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 different parts English speech. Think of an 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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