What is suffix?

A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function. Suffixes can transform a word into a different part of speech, modify its tense, or alter its degree of comparison, among other functions. Here are a few common types of suffixes:

1. Noun Suffixes:

   • -er/-or: Indicates someone who performs an action (e.g., teacher, actor).
   • -ness: Denotes a state or quality (e.g., happiness, darkness).
   • -ion/-tion/-sion: Refers to a process or state (e.g., celebration, action, tension).

2. Verb Suffixes:

   • -en: Turns adjectives into verbs (e.g., strengthen, broaden).
   • -ify/-fy: Means to make or become (e.g., magnify, clarify).
   • -ate: Often used to form verbs (e.g., activate, delegate).

3. Adjective Suffixes:

   • -able/-ible: Means capable of or suitable for (e.g., readable, edible).
   • -ful: Indicates having the nature of (e.g., hopeful, helpful).
   • -less: Means without (e.g., careless, hopeless).

4. Adverb Suffixes:

   • -ly: Turns adjectives into adverbs (e.g., quickly, happily).

Suffixes are widely used in English to create new words and convey additional meanings, which helps in building a richer vocabulary. Good understanding of suffixes also enhances one's ability to derive meanings of unfamiliar words.