Using Suffixes

Using Suffixes Lesson 1. Ten Powerful Suffixes Lesson 2. Ten Additional Powerful Suffixes

A suffix is a letter or group of letters placed at the end of a word to change its grammatical function, tense, or meaning. Suffixes can be used to create a verb from a noun or adjective or an adjective from a verb, for example. They can change a word's tense as well; "-ed" can make a present-tense verb into a past participle, for instance. They can even change a word's meaning; the suffix "-ette," for example, can make a word into its diminutive: "kitchen" into "kitchenette." Just as recognizing a small number of prefixes can help you figure out many unfamiliar words, so knowing a few common suffixes can help you build a more powerful vocabulary.

Lesson 1. Ten Powerful Suffixes Test 1: Applying Suffixes Test 2: Matching Synonyms

Below are ten useful suffixes. Read through the chart and examples. To reinforce your study, complete the self-tests that follow.

Suffix

Meaning

Variations

Examples

1. -ate

to make marked by

alienate, regulate, passionate, affectionate

2. -en

to make

weaken, moisten

3. -ism

the quality or practice of

absolutism, baptism

4. -ation

the act or condition of

-ition -tion

allegation, affirmation commotion recognition

5. -ty

the state of

-ity

modesty, security worker

6. -er

one that does or deals with

-ar -ier

teacher, scholar, furrier, bettor

-or 7. -an

one that does or deals with

comedian, historian

8. -al

resembling or pertaining to

natural, accidental

9. -ous

full of

-ious

perilous, gracious, vicious

10. -able capable of being

-ible

lovable, affordable, reversible

Test 1: Applying Suffixes Each of the following phrases contains an italicized word. Based on the meaning of its suffix, select the closest synonym. Circle your response. 1. combustible rubbish

a. unbreakable

b. able to burst

c. affordable

d. flammable

2. pastoral scenes

a. clerical

b. attractive

c. rural

d. homely

c. sign

d. result

c. formal

d. enjoyable

3. a partisan of the rebellion

a. flag

b. supporter 4. a palatial home

a. magnificent

b. modest

5. the collegiate atmosphere

a. churchlike

b. friendly

c. cooperative

d. academic

c. diligence

d. laziness

6. assiduity in studies

a. alacrity

b. cleverness 7. a country of pedestrians

a. scholars

b. walkers

c. shopkeepers

d. students

8. an abstemious eater

a. aloof

b. idle

c. absent-minded

d. sparing

9. perilous practices

a. commonplace 10. deleterious effects

b. rare

c. dangerous

d. useless

a. good

b. neutral

c. bad

d. delightful

Answers to Using Suffixes Lesson 1 Test 1:

Test 2: Matching Synonyms Based on your knowledge of suffixes, match each of the numbered words with the closest synonym. If in doubt, refer to the root word that follows each numbered word.

1. culpable

a. blameworthy

(Root word: Latin "culpa," blame) 2. parity

b. injurious

(Root word: Latin "par," equal) 3. amenable

c. everlasting

(Root word: French "amener," to lead to) 4. mendacious

d. reversion to type

(Root word: Latin "mendax," dishonest) 5. sempiternal

e. equality

(Root word: Latin "semper," always) 6. nihilism

f. to chastise; censure

(Root word: Latin "nihil," nothing) 7. atavism

g. willing

(Root word: Latin "atavus," remote) 8. fealty

h. total rejection of law

(Root word: French "fealté," fidelity) 9. castigate

i. lying; false

(Root word: Latin "castus," chaste) 10. noxious (Root word: Latin "noxa," harm)

j. faithfulness

Answers to Using Suffixes Lesson 1 Test 2:

Lesson 2. Ten Additional Powerful Suffixes Test 1: Matching Synonyms Test 2: Applying Suffixes

The following ten suffixes will help you understand countless additional words. After you read through the suffixes and their definitions, complete the two self-tests at the end of the lesson.

Suffix

Meaning

Examples

1. -esque

in the manner of; like

Lincolnesque

2. -aceous

resembling or having

carbonaceous

3. -ic

associated with

democratic

4. -age

act or process of; quantity or measure

marriage; coverage; footage

5. -itis

inflammation

tonsillitis

6. -ish

similar to; like a

foolish; babyish

7. -less

without

guiltless; helpless

8. -ship

occupation or skill; condition of being

authorship; penmanship; friendship

9. -ian

a person who is, does, or participates in

comedian

10. -ferous

bearing or conveying

odoriferous

Test 1: Matching Synonyms Based on your knowledge of suffixes, match each of the numbered words with its closest synonym. Write your answer in the space provided.

1. waspish

a. inattentive, sloppy

_____

2. fellowship

b. egotistic

_____

3. angelic

c. distance

_____

4. mileage

d. huge

_____

5. picturesque

e. eternal

_____

6. curvaceous

f. irritable

_____

7. titanic

g. voluptuous

_____

8. careless

h. companionship

_____

9. selfish

i. innocent

_____

10. timeless

j. colorful

_____

Answers to Using Suffixes Lesson 2 Test 1:

Test 2: Applying Suffixes Each of the following phrases contains an italicized word. Based on the meaning of its suffix, select the closest synonym. If in doubt, refer to the root word listed in the right-hand column. Circle your response.

1. auriferous mineral

Root Word

a. containing gold b. extremely hard c. having an odor

Latin "aurum," gold

d. very common

2. conical shape

Root Word

a. humorous; amusing b. like a cone c. spherical d. rigid

Greek "konos," cone

3. suffering from carditis

Root Word

a. eye infection b. a tin ear c. inflammation of the heart

Greek "kardia," heart

d. stiff joints

4. graceful Romanesque a. architectural style b. departure c. essay d. apology

5. olivaceous color a. oily b. deep green c. faded d. attractive

6. frightful carnage

Root Word

a. journey b. slaughter c. scene

Latin "carnis," flesh

d. sensuality

7. satanic nature a. evil b. cheerful c. shiny d. generous

8. admirable craftsmanship a. display b. individual c. shop d. artfulness

9. veracious remarks

Root Word

a. vivid b. vicious c. windy d. truthful

10. painful appendicitis a. news b. surgery c. inflammation of the appendix d. removal of the appendix Answers to Using Suffixes Lesson 2 Test 2:

Latin "verus," true