Adjective Suffixes
Learning about Adjective Suffixes
Understanding when to use prefixes and suffixes correctly are an important part of doing the word formation exercise, which is Part 3 in the Use of English exam. In the example in the image above we can see how we create adjective forms. Here we look at the endings we use for adjective suffixes.
Adjective Forms
When we create new words adjectives with these adjective suffixes we are often changing a verb or noun.
For example
- Use – ful /Use -less – full of use/no use.
- Imagin(e) -able something we can imagine.
- Fun -ny description of something.
Common Suffixes
- -able/-ible
- -al / -ical
- -ive
- -ent
- -ful
- -less
- -y
- -ous
- -ish
- -ary
- -like
- -ic
- -ly
likeable/credible
emotional/historical
inventive
different
useful
useless
messy
famous
childish
momentary
childlike
basic
weekly
Suffix spelling changes
For some words we need to make spelling changes to the orginal word in order to create a new adjective. Here are some examples
- centre – central
- science – scientific
- fame – famous
- appear – apparent
- beauty – beautiful
- eat – edible
Different meanings
With some words the new adjectives can have different meanings.
class
This Bob Dylan album is a classic.
- High quality
I love classical music.
- Traditional form developed over time or referring to ancient times
history
I enjoy historical fiction.
- About history
Landing on the Moon was a historic event.
- An important event or activity
economy
The economic situation is not very good at the moment.
- About the economy
My car is economical and it costs me very little to run.
- Good value or cheap
help
My teacher is very helpful.
- Want to help
We were helpless to stop the boat from sinking and we jumped into the water.
- Unable to act without help
You can also find more information on different types of suffixes in the Cambridge dictionary. You can also learn more about verb and adverb suffixes in another English Too post.