Suffix
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article is about the linguistic term. For other uses, see Suffix (disambiguation).
In grammar, a suffix — a form of affix — follows the morpheme to which it attaches.
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[edit] Suffixes in the English language
Suffixes appear as additions at the end of a word or at the end of part of a word.
Suffixes used in English frequently have Greek, French, or Latin origins.
[edit] Functions
[edit] Grammatical function
A suffix can have a grammatical (inflectional) function. In this example:
- The weather forecaster said it would be clear today, but I can't see clearly at all.
The suffix -ly modifies the root-word clear to make it from an adjective into an adverb.
[edit] Semantic function
Alternatively, a suffix can have a semantic function. In this example:
- The weather forecaster said it would be clear today, but I think it's more like clearish!
the suffix -ish modifies the root-word clear, changing its meaning to "clear, but not very clear".
it can also have an ending of 'ful' e.g cheerFUL this is one of the most commenly used suffixes