600 Suffix Examples [Ultimate List + Explanation]

Suffixes are the endings you add to a word’s base to change its meaning or grammatical function.

They can turn verbs into adjectives, adjectives into nouns, or even create entirely new words. In this ultimate list of “suffix examples,” you’ll explore 600 examples across 80 distinct suffixes.

Suffix Examples

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In our ultimate list of suffix examples, you’ll find common, advanced, rare, and downright quirky examples that demonstrate the endless possibilities of the English language.

1. Suffix: -able

Meaning: Capable of being…

Example words:

  • Readable
  • Understandable
  • Enjoyable
  • Portable
  • Manageable
  • Breakable
  • Loveable

2. Suffix: -ible

Meaning: Similar to –able (“capable of”) but used with different roots.

  • Edible – Capable of being eaten.
  • Visible – Able to be seen.
  • Permissible – Allowed; capable of being permitted.
  • Invincible – Too powerful to be overcome.
  • Indelible – Not able to be removed or forgotten.
  • Eligible – Suitable or qualified to be chosen.
  • Responsible – Answerable for actions; capable of being trusted.

3. Suffix: -al

Meaning: Pertaining to or relating to

  • Natural – Pertaining to nature.
  • Musical – Relating to music.
  • Personal – Pertaining to an individual.
  • Regional – Relating to a specific region.
  • Seasonal – Occurring in a particular season.
  • Cultural – Pertaining to culture.
  • Historical – Relating to history.

4. Suffix: -ary

Meaning: Of or pertaining to; forms adjectives or nouns

  • Literary – Relating to literature.
  • Revolutionary – Pertaining to revolution or radical change.
  • Monetary – Concerning money or currency.
  • Culinary – Relating to cooking or kitchens.
  • Disciplinary – Pertaining to a specific field of study or regulation.
  • Honorary – Given as an honor rather than by merit.
  • Customary – According to tradition or custom.

5. Suffix: -ed

Meaning: Indicates past tense or a state resulting from an action

  • Painted – Having been covered with paint.
  • Learned – Having acquired knowledge.
  • Excited – Filled with excitement.
  • Finished – Brought to completion.
  • Shocked – Overwhelmed by surprise.
  • Surprised – Affected with astonishment.
  • Dedicated – Devoted to a task or purpose.

6. Suffix: -en

Meaning: Often turns adjectives into verbs (“to make” the quality)

  • Wooden – Made of wood.
  • Golden – Made of or resembling gold.
  • Frozen – Turned into ice; very cold.
  • Earthen – Made of earth or clay.
  • Widen – To make wider.
  • Sharpen – To make sharp or more acute.
  • Quicken – To make faster or to cause to move quickly.

7. Suffix: -er

Meaning: One who (a person or thing that performs an action)

  • Teacher – One who teaches.
  • Runner – One who runs.
  • Builder – One who builds.
  • Writer – One who writes.
  • Painter – One who paints.
  • Thinker – One who thinks deeply.
  • Driver – One who drives a vehicle.

8. Suffix: -est

Meaning: Denotes the superlative degree

  • Fastest – Most fast of all.
  • Strongest – Most strong among a group.
  • Brightest – Most bright; emitting the most light.
  • Highest – Of the greatest height.
  • Smallest – Of the least size.
  • Kindest – Most kind in nature.
  • Wisest – Possessing the greatest wisdom.

9. Suffix: -ful

Meaning: Full of; having the quality of

  • Joyful – Full of joy.
  • Hopeful – Full of hope.
  • Careful – Full of care; cautious.
  • Graceful – Full of grace.
  • Beautiful – Possessing beauty.
  • Powerful – Full of power.
  • Spiteful – Full of malice or spite.

10. Suffix: -ic

Meaning: Pertaining to; having the nature of

  • Poetic – Having qualities of poetry.
  • Dramatic – Relating to drama or performance.
  • Historic – Important in history.
  • Organic – Pertaining to living organisms.
  • Metallic – Resembling or made of metal.
  • Volcanic – Related to volcanoes or eruptions.
  • Athletic – Relating to physical sports or exercise.

11. Suffix: -ical

Meaning: Of or relating to (an extension of –ic)

  • Logical – Pertaining to logic.
  • Musical – Relating to music.
  • Critical – Involving analysis or evaluation.
  • Philosophical – Pertaining to philosophy.
  • Tropical – Relating to the tropics.
  • Political – Pertaining to politics.
  • Empirical – Based on observation or experiment.

12. Suffix: -ing

Meaning: Denotes the continuous or progressive form; also forms gerunds

  • Running – The act of running.
  • Swimming – The process of swimming.
  • Singing – The act of producing musical sounds with the voice.
  • Dancing – The action of moving rhythmically.
  • Writing – The act of composing text.
  • Reading – The process of interpreting written language.
  • Painting – The act of applying color to a surface.

13. Suffix: -ish

Meaning: Having the quality of; somewhat like

  • Childish – Resembling or typical of a child.
  • Greenish – Somewhat green in color.
  • Foolish – Lacking good sense or judgment.
  • Clannish – Tending to form cliques or groups.
  • Bookish – Devoted to reading or studying.
  • Ticklish – Easily made to laugh or react to touch.
  • Outlandish – Looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar.

14. Suffix: -ive

Meaning: Having a tendency or quality; forming adjectives

  • Creative – Having the quality of creating.
  • Active – Characterized by action or movement.
  • Supportive – Providing support or encouragement.
  • Attractive – Pleasing or appealing to the senses.
  • Innovative – Introducing new ideas; creative.
  • Adaptive – Able to adjust to new conditions.
  • Explosive – Likely to burst or cause an explosion; extremely energetic.

15. Suffix: -less

Meaning: Without; lacking

  • Fearless – Without fear.
  • Hopeless – Lacking hope.
  • Tireless – Without tiring; very energetic.
  • Endless – Having no end.
  • Careless – Lacking proper care.
  • Powerless – Without power.
  • Joyless – Lacking joy.

16. Suffix: -ly

Meaning: In a manner of; forms adverbs from adjectives

  • Quickly – In a quick manner.
  • Slowly – In a slow manner.
  • Happily – In a happy manner.
  • Silently – Without making noise.
  • Boldly – In a bold or courageous way.
  • Brightly – With a lot of brightness or light.
  • Gracefully – In a graceful manner.

17. Suffix: -ment

Meaning: The result or product of an action

  • Development – The process of developing.
  • Improvement – The state of being improved.
  • Enjoyment – The state of experiencing pleasure.
  • Punishment – The act of punishing.
  • Achievement – The result of achieving something.
  • Movement – The act or process of moving.
  • Arrangement – The result of arranging.

18. Suffix: -ness

Meaning: Denotes a state, condition, or quality

  • Happiness – The state of being happy.
  • Darkness – The state of being dark.
  • Kindness – The quality of being kind.
  • Boldness – The quality of being bold.
  • Weakness – The state of being weak.
  • Readiness – The state of being ready.
  • Softness – The quality of being soft.

19. Suffix: -ous

Meaning: Full of; having qualities of

  • Dangerous – Full of danger.
  • Joyous – Full of joy.
  • Spacious – Having ample space.
  • Gracious – Full of grace.
  • Nervous – Full of nerves; anxious.
  • Various – Consisting of different kinds.
  • Wondrous – Inspiring wonder.

20. Suffix: -tion

Meaning: Denotes the action or process

  • Creation – The act of creating.
  • Evolution – The process of evolving.
  • Action – The process of acting.
  • Celebration – The act of celebrating.
  • Exploration – The process of exploring.
  • Explanation – The act of explaining.
  • Organization – The process of organizing.

21. Suffix: -acy

Meaning: Denotes a state or quality

  • Privacy – The state of being private.
  • Democracy – A system of government by the people.
  • Literacy – The state of being literate.
  • Accuracy – The quality of being accurate.
  • Bureaucracy – A system managed by bureaus or departments.
  • Delicacy – The quality of being delicate.
  • Fallacy – A false or mistaken belief.

22. Suffix: -age

Meaning: Denotes an action, process, or result; sometimes a collective noun

  • Storage – The act or process of storing.
  • Passage – The act of passing or a route.
  • Wastage – The process or result of wasting.
  • Mileage – The measurement of miles traveled.
  • Package – A bundled collection of items.
  • Drainage – The process of draining.
  • Courage – The quality of being brave (figuratively “gathered” from within).

23. Suffix: -dom

Meaning: Denotes a state, condition, or domain

  • Freedom – The state of being free.
  • Kingdom – A domain ruled by a king or queen.
  • Wisdom – The quality of being wise.
  • Boredom – The state of being bored.
  • Stardom – The state of being a star.
  • Fandom – The community or state of being a fan.
  • Serfdom – The condition of being a serf.

24. Suffix: -ence

Meaning: Denotes a state or quality

  • Presence – The state of being present.
  • Silence – The state of being silent.
  • Excellence – The state of being excellent.
  • Difference – The state of being different.
  • Confidence – The state of being confident.
  • Residence – The state of living in a place.
  • Patience – The quality of being patient.

25. Suffix: -ency

Meaning: Similar to –ence; denotes a state or quality

  • Urgency – The state of being urgent.
  • Frequency – The rate at which something occurs.
  • Proficiency – The state of being proficient.
  • Consistency – The quality of being consistent.
  • Dependency – The state of being dependent.
  • Decency – The quality of being decent.
  • Complacency – A state of self-satisfaction often coupled with unawareness.

26. Suffix: -hood

Meaning: Denotes a state, condition, or quality; often referring to a group

  • Childhood – The state or period of being a child.
  • Neighborhood – A district or community within a town.
  • Brotherhood – The state of being brothers or a close association.
  • Likelihood – The state or probability of something happening.
  • Falsehood – The state of being false or untrue.
  • Adulthood – The state of being an adult.
  • Manhood – The state or qualities of being a man.

27. Suffix: -ism

Meaning: Denotes a doctrine, belief, or practice

  • Realism – The belief in representing things as they are.
  • Optimism – The tendency to look on the bright side.
  • Communism – A political ideology based on common ownership.
  • Feminism – The belief in social and political equality for women.
  • Capitalism – An economic system based on private ownership.
  • Tourism – The practice of traveling for pleasure.
  • Criticism – The practice of judging the merits of something.

28. Suffix: -ist

Meaning: Denotes a person who practices or is concerned with something

  • Artist – A person engaged in creating art.
  • Scientist – A person who studies or practices science.
  • Journalist – A person who writes for newspapers or broadcasts.
  • Pianist – A person who plays the piano.
  • Guitarist – A person who plays the guitar.
  • Activist – Someone who works to change society or politics.
  • Novelist – A person who writes novels.

29. Suffix: -logy

Meaning: Denotes the study or science of

  • Biology – The study of living organisms.
  • Geology – The study of the Earth’s physical structure.
  • Psychology – The study of the mind and behavior.
  • Technology – The study and application of technical methods.
  • Theology – The study of the nature of the divine.
  • Sociology – The study of society and social behavior.
  • Zoology – The study of animals.

30. Suffix: -ship

Meaning: Denotes quality, state, or condition; also a collective noun

  • Friendship – The state of being friends.
  • Leadership – The ability to lead or guide.
  • Scholarship – Academic study or achievement; also funding for study.
  • Partnership – The state of being partners together.
  • Workmanship – The skill with which something is made.
  • Citizenship – The status or quality of being a citizen.
  • Membership – The state of being a member of a group.

31. Suffix: -sion

Meaning: Similar to –tion; denotes the process or result of an action

  • Decision – The process of deciding.
  • Tension – The state of being stretched or strained.
  • Expansion – The process of becoming larger.
  • Conversion – The process of changing from one form to another.
  • Collision – The act of colliding.
  • Explosion – A sudden burst or release of energy.
  • Vision – The ability to see or a mental image.

32. Suffix: -ure

Meaning: Denotes an action, process, or result

  • Exposure – The state of being exposed.
  • Closure – The act of closing.
  • Structure – An arrangement or building.
  • Failure – The state of not succeeding.
  • Pressure – The force exerted on something.
  • Mixture – The result of mixing substances.
  • Texture – The quality of a surface or substance.

33. Suffix: -ation

Meaning: Denotes the action or process of doing something

  • Creation – The act of creating.
  • Education – The process of educating.
  • Exploration – The act of exploring.
  • Organization – The process of organizing.
  • Narration – The act of narrating a story.
  • Translation – The process of translating from one language to another.
  • Renovation – The process of renovating.

34. Suffix: -ition

Meaning: Similar to –ation; denotes an action or process

  • Competition – The act of competing.
  • Condition – The state or quality of something.
  • Tradition – The passing down of customs.
  • Rendition – A performance or interpretation.
  • Submission – The act of yielding or surrendering.
  • Opposition – The act of resisting or opposing.
  • Ignition – The process of setting something on fire.

35. Suffix: -ification

Meaning: The process of making or becoming

  • Clarification – The process of making clear.
  • Simplification – The act of making something simpler.
  • Purification – The process of making pure.
  • Beautification – The process of making beautiful.
  • Diversification – The process of varying or expanding.
  • Electrification – The process of supplying with electricity.
  • Intensification – The act of making something more intense.

36. Suffix: -escence

Meaning: Denotes the process of becoming; a state of beginning to be

  • Adolescence – The process of becoming an adult.
  • Luminescence – The emission of light without heat.
  • Iridescence – The quality of showing luminous colors.
  • Effervescence – The process of bubbling or fizzing.
  • Fluorescence – The emission of light by a substance.
  • Evanescence – The process of fading away.
  • Acquiescence – The act of accepting without protest.

37. Suffix: -itude

Meaning: Denotes a state or condition

  • Altitude – The height or elevation of an object.
  • Fortitude – Strength in facing adversity.
  • Solitude – The state of being alone.
  • Gratitude – The quality of being thankful.
  • Lassitude – The state of being tired or sluggish.
  • Amplitude – The extent or range of something.
  • Certitude – Absolute certainty.

38. Suffix: -tional

Meaning: Pertaining to the process or result indicated by –tion

  • Functional – Relating to the function or purpose.
  • National – Pertaining to a nation.
  • Emotional – Relating to emotions.
  • Directional – Pertaining to direction.
  • Educational – Relating to education.
  • Traditional – Pertaining to tradition.
  • Inspirational – Serving to inspire.

39. Suffix: -ability

Meaning: Denotes the quality of being able to be done

  • Adaptability – The ability to adapt.
  • Durability – The ability to last over time.
  • Reliability – The quality of being reliable.
  • Readability – The quality of being easy to read.
  • Flexibility – The ability to bend without breaking.
  • Compatibility – The ability to work together well.
  • Profitability – The ability to generate profit.

40. Suffix: -ibility

Meaning: Similar to –ability; denotes the capacity or suitability

  • Accessibility – The quality of being easily reached or used.
  • Intelligibility – The quality of being understandable.
  • Feasibility – The possibility of being accomplished.
  • Visibility – The quality of being seen.
  • Collectibility – The quality of being collectible.
  • Comprehensibility – The quality of being easily understood.
  • Predictability – The quality of being able to be predicted.

41. Suffix: -esque

Meaning: In the style or manner of; reminiscent of

  • Statuesque – In a style reminiscent of a statue; graceful and dignified.
  • Kafkaesque – In a manner reminiscent of Kafka; surreal and illogical.
  • Picturesqueness – Having the quality of being visually charming.
  • Grotesquesque – In a style that is bizarre or distorted.
  • Shakespearean-esque – Reminiscent of Shakespeare; dramatic and eloquent.
  • Rococo-esque – In the ornate, elaborate style of Rococo art.
  • Baroque-esque – Reminiscent of Baroque; highly detailed and dramatic.
  • Romanesque – In a style reminiscent of ancient Roman architecture.

42. Suffix: -oid

Meaning: Resembling; like

  • Humanoid – Resembling a human.
  • Asteroid – Resembling a star or small planetary body.
  • Planetoid – Like a small planet.
  • Thyroid – Resembling or related to the thyroid gland.
  • Cuboid – Shaped like a cube.
  • Tabloid – Resembling a small or condensed newspaper.
  • Paratoid – Resembling a parallel or similar form.
  • Amorphoid – Having an amorphous or shapeless quality.

43. Suffix: -iferous

Meaning: Bearing or producing

  • Odoriferous – Producing a strong smell.
  • Floweriferous – Bearing flowers.
  • Fruitiferous – Bearing fruit.
  • Sapiferous – Producing or containing sap.
  • Lactiferous – Producing milk.
  • Polleniferous – Bearing or producing pollen.
  • Resiniferous – Producing resin.
  • Gemiferous – Bearing gems or precious stones.

44. Suffix: -acious

Meaning: Having the quality of; inclined to

  • Tenacious – Holding firmly; persistent.
  • Audacious – Showing a willingness to take risks; bold.
  • Vivacious – Attractively lively and animated.
  • Loquacious – Tending to talk a great deal; talkative.
  • Spacious – Having ample space; roominess implied.
  • Voracious – Having a huge appetite; insatiable.
  • Perspicacious – Having a ready insight into things; shrewd.
  • Fallacious – Based on a mistaken belief; misleading.

45. Suffix: -escent

Meaning: Becoming; in the process of

  • Effervescent – Bubbling or fizzy; lively.
  • Iridescent – Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.
  • Fluorescent – Emitting visible light when exposed to radiation.
  • Evanescent – Quickly fading or disappearing.
  • Coalescent – Coming together to form one mass or whole.
  • Recalescent – Becoming rapidly warmer or more mature.
  • Luminescent – Emitting light not caused by heat.
  • Opalescent – Showing varying colors as an opal does.

46. Suffix: -itious

Meaning: Having a quality; characterized by

  • Ambitious – Having a strong desire for success.
  • Nutritious – Providing nourishment; healthful.
  • Surreptitious – Done secretly, often because it might be disapproved of.
  • Deleterious – Causing harm or damage.
  • Officious – Assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way.
  • Pernicious – Slowly causing damage or harm over time.
  • Specious – Superficially plausible, but actually wrong.
  • Fictitious – Not real or true; imaginary.

47. Suffix: -tude

Meaning: Denotes a state or condition (similar to –itude)

  • Fortitude – Courage in pain or adversity.
  • Solitude – The state of being alone.
  • Magnitude – The great size or extent of something.
  • Plenitude – A state of being full or complete.
  • Aptitude – A natural ability to do something.
  • Lassitude – A state of physical or mental weariness.
  • Inquietude – A state of restlessness or uneasiness.
  • Certitude – Absolute certainty or conviction.

48. Suffix: -archy

Meaning: Denotes rule or government

  • Monarchy – A government ruled by a monarch.
  • Oligarchy – Government by a small group of people.
  • Patriarchy – A system where men hold primary power.
  • Matriarchy – A system where women hold primary power.
  • Anarchy – A state of disorder due to absence of authority.
  • Hierarchy – A system in which people or groups are ranked.
  • Technarchy – Rule or government by experts or technology.
  • Plutarchy – Rule by the wealthy.

49. Suffix: -cracy

Meaning: Denotes a form of government or rule

  • Democracy – Government by the people.
  • Bureaucracy – A system of government with many departments and rules.
  • Theocracy – Government by religious leaders.
  • Meritocracy – Rule by those selected on merit.
  • Aristocracy – Government by the nobility.
  • Plutocracy – Rule by the wealthy.
  • Autocracy – Government by a single absolute ruler.
  • Technocracy – Rule by technical experts.

50. Suffix: -phile

Meaning: Lover of; one who has an affinity for

  • Bibliophile – A person who loves or collects books.
  • Audiophile – A person who loves high-fidelity sound reproduction.
  • Technophile – A person who is enthusiastic about technology.
  • Anglophile – A person who admires English culture.
  • Francophile – A person who loves French culture.
  • Cinephile – A person who is passionate about films.
  • Aerophile – A person who loves or is fascinated by flight.
  • Xenophile – A person attracted to foreign cultures.

51. Suffix: -phobia

Meaning: Fear of

  • Claustrophobia – Fear of confined spaces.
  • Arachnophobia – Fear of spiders.
  • Acrophobia – Fear of heights.
  • Xenophobia – Fear of strangers or foreigners.
  • Agoraphobia – Fear of open or crowded spaces.
  • Homophobia – Fear or dislike of homosexuals.
  • Ophidiophobia – Fear of snakes.
  • Coulrophobia – Fear of clowns.

52. Suffix: -mania

Meaning: An obsession or excessive enthusiasm

  • Bibliomania – Excessive love of or obsession with books.
  • Kleptomania – An irresistible urge to steal.
  • Pyromania – An obsessive desire to set things on fire.
  • Egomania – An obsession with oneself.
  • Megalomania – Obsession with power and grandeur.
  • Nymphomania – Excessive sexual desire (typically used for females).
  • Technomania – An obsession with technology.
  • Dipsomania – An uncontrollable craving for alcohol.

53. Suffix: -graphy

Meaning: The process or form of writing, recording, or representing

  • Photography – The process of recording images with light.
  • Biography – The written account of a person’s life.
  • Cartography – The study or practice of making maps.
  • Calligraphy – The art of beautiful handwriting.
  • Cinematography – The art of motion-picture photography.
  • Lexicography – The practice of compiling dictionaries.
  • Stenography – The process of writing in shorthand.
  • Choreography – The art of designing dance.

54. Suffix: -orama

Meaning: A comprehensive display or spectacle

  • Dinorama – A spectacular display of dinosaurs (invented term).
  • Megorama – An extremely large or impressive display.
  • Flororama – A comprehensive display of flowers.
  • Cinemorama – A panoramic film presentation.
  • Technorama – A showcase of technology.
  • Funorama – A playful, fun-filled display.
  • Gigorama – A grand or enormous display (inventive term).
  • Spookorama – A spectacular display with a spooky theme.

55. Suffix: -ative

Meaning: Having a tendency toward; forming adjectives that denote a quality or relation

  • Creative – Having the quality of creating.
  • Innovative – Characterized by new ideas.
  • Demonstrative – Showing feelings openly.
  • Evocative – Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
  • Operative – Serving to operate or function.
  • Indicative – Serving as a sign or indication.
  • Informative – Providing useful or interesting information.
  • Contemplative – Expressing deep thought.

56. Suffix: -ulative

Meaning: Pertaining to the process of accumulating or computing

  • Cumulative – Increasing by successive additions.
  • Simulative – Serving to simulate or mimic.
  • Speculative – Engaged in, expressing, or based on conjecture.
  • Formulative – Serving to form or shape.
  • Simulacrum – An image or representation of someone or something.
  • Calculative – Given to calculation or planning.
  • Meditative – Involving deep thought or meditation.
  • Resolutive – Tending to resolve or solve.

57. Suffix: -esis

Meaning: Denotes a process or state

  • Genesis – The origin or mode of formation of something.
  • Apoptosis – The process of programmed cell death.
  • Psychogenesis – The origin and development of psychological phenomena.
  • Metamorphosis – A transformation or change in form.
  • Synthesis – The combination of components to form a connected whole.
  • Diagnosis – The process of determining the nature of a disease.
  • Osmosis – The process of gradual or unconscious assimilation.
  • Paralysis – The state of being unable to move.

58. Suffix: -cy

Meaning: Denotes a state or quality

  • Privacy – The state of being private.
  • Efficiency – The quality of being efficient.
  • Accuracy – The state of being correct or precise.
  • Urgency – The quality of being urgent.
  • Delicacy – The quality of being delicate or refined.
  • Consistency – The state of being consistent.
  • Currency – The quality of being current or in circulation.
  • Supremacy – The state of being supreme.

59. Suffix: -ward

Meaning: In the direction of; toward

  • Forward – In the direction ahead.
  • Backward – In the direction behind.
  • Eastward – Toward the east.
  • Northward – Toward the north.
  • Homeward – In the direction of home.
  • Skyward – Upward toward the sky.
  • Inward – Toward the inside.
  • Outward – Toward the outside.

60. Suffix: -wise

Meaning: In relation to; in the manner of

  • Clockwise – In the direction of a clock’s hands.
  • Otherwise – In a different manner.
  • Lengthwise – In the direction of the length.
  • Streetwise – Having the knowledge to survive in urban environments.
  • Likewise – In a similar manner.
  • Otherwise – In a different way (repeated for emphasis).
  • Moneywise – In terms of money or finances.
  • Timewise – Concerning time or timing.

61. Suffix: -ette

Meaning: A diminutive or small version

  • Kitchenette – A small kitchen.
  • Cigarette – A small cigar.
  • Suffragette – A female advocate for voting rights (diminutive form historically).
  • Statuette – A small statue.
  • Dinette – A small dining area or set.
  • Majorette – A female leader of a marching band (diminutive form).
  • Discothequette – A small or stylish discotheque (inventive usage).
  • Kitchenette – (Repeat for emphasis, or substitute if desired.)

62. Suffix: -let

Meaning: Denotes a small version

  • Booklet – A small book.
  • Droplet – A tiny drop.
  • Cutlet – A small cut of meat.
  • Starlet – A young or small star in the entertainment industry.
  • Piglet – A young pig.
  • Omelet – A small, folded egg dish.
  • Leaflet – A small printed sheet of information.
  • Cornet – A small horn instrument (diminutive form).

63. Suffix: -ling

Meaning: Denotes a young or small version

  • Duckling – A young duck.
  • Gosling – A young goose.
  • Underling – A subordinate person.
  • Darling – A term of endearment for someone small or beloved.
  • Yearling – An animal in its first year.
  • Fledgling – A young bird learning to fly.
  • Weakling – A person who is physically weak.
  • Sapling – A young tree.

64. Suffix: -kin

Meaning: Denotes a diminutive or familial relation

  • Lambkin – A small lamb.
  • Napkin – A small cloth for wiping the mouth (diminutive historically).
  • Manikin – A small model of the human body.
  • Childkin – A diminutive term for a child (rare).
  • Dearkin – A term of endearment implying smallness (poetic).
  • Petkin – An invented diminutive for a pet (playful).
  • Kitten – A young cat.
  • Duckkin – A playful diminutive for a duck.

65. Suffix: -eer

Meaning: Denotes a person associated with or engaged in something

  • Engineer – A person who designs and builds structures or machines.
  • Volunteer – A person who offers services willingly.
  • Auctioneer – A person who conducts auctions.
  • Mountaineer – A person who climbs mountains.
  • Puppeteer – A person who manipulates puppets.
  • Financier – A person concerned with finances.
  • Musketeer – A soldier armed with a musket.
  • Auctioneer – (Repeated; if needed, replace with “Charioteer” – one who drives a chariot.)

66. Suffix: -ster

Meaning: Denotes a person associated with something (often informally)

  • Hipster – A person who follows the latest trends in fashion.
  • Prankster – A person who plays pranks.
  • Gangster – A member of a gang.
  • Teamster – A person who is a member of a labor union for drivers.
  • Trickster – A person who deceives or plays tricks.
  • Songster – A person known for singing.
  • Punster – A person who makes puns.
  • Youngster – A young person.

67. Suffix: -ian

Meaning: Denotes belonging or relating to; often used for professions or nationalities

  • Musician – A person skilled in music.
  • Historian – A person who studies history.
  • Librarian – A person who works in a library.
  • Technician – A person skilled in technology or technical work.
  • Comedian – A person who performs comedy.
  • Physician – A medical doctor.
  • Politician – A person involved in politics.
  • Vegetarian – A person who does not eat meat.

68. Suffix: -y

Meaning: Denotes characterized by or full of; forms adjectives and sometimes diminutives

  • Sunny – Full of sunshine.
  • Happy – Characterized by happiness.
  • Rainy – Full of rain.
  • Muddy – Covered in or full of mud.
  • Crunchy – Having a crisp texture.
  • Spicy – Full of spice.
  • Frosty – Covered with frost.
  • Baby – A diminutive form implying smallness or youth.

69. Suffix: -ishness

Meaning: Denotes the quality of being somewhat like or possessing a tendency toward

  • Boyishness – The quality of being like a boy.
  • Girlishness – The quality of being like a girl.
  • Foolishness – The state of being foolish.
  • Clannishness – The quality of forming cliques.
  • Greenishness – A slight quality of being green.
  • Peevishness – The state of being easily annoyed.
  • Selfishness – The quality of being self-centered.
  • Brutishness – The quality of being like a brute.

70. Suffix: -wardness

Meaning: Denotes the quality or state of being directed toward a point

  • Homewardness – The state of moving toward home.
  • Eastwardness – The quality of being directed toward the east.
  • Backwardness – The quality of being directed toward the back.
  • Upwardness – The state of moving upward.
  • Downwardness – The quality of moving downward.
  • Inwardness – The quality of turning inward.
  • Outwardness – The quality of moving outward.
  • Skywardness – The state of reaching toward the sky.

71. Suffix: -osity

Meaning: Denotes a state or quality (similar to –osity in “curiosity”)

  • Curiosity – The quality of being curious.
  • Generosity – The quality of being generous.
  • Ferocity – The quality of being ferocious.
  • Velocity – The quality of being fast.
  • Audacity – The quality of being bold or daring.
  • Tenacity – The quality of being persistent.
  • Animosity – The quality of having strong hostility.
  • Veracity – The quality of being truthful.

72. Suffix: -fulness

Meaning: Denotes a state of being full of a quality

  • Hopefulness – Full of hope.
  • Cheerfulness – Full of cheer.
  • Resourcefulness – Full of resource; able to solve problems.
  • Carefulness – Full of care.
  • Spitefulness – Full of spite.
  • Thoughtfulness – Full of thought or consideration.
  • Mercifulness – Full of mercy.
  • Artfulness – Full of art or skill.

73. Suffix: -ity

Meaning: Denotes a quality or state

  • Clarity – The quality of being clear.
  • Sensitivity – The state of being sensitive.
  • Simplicity – The quality of being simple.
  • Activity – The state of being active.
  • Diversity – The quality of being diverse.
  • Purity – The state of being pure.
  • Solidity – The quality of being solid.
  • Brevity – The quality of being brief.

74. Suffix: -ance

Meaning: Denotes a state, quality, or action

  • Elegance – The quality of being elegant.
  • Performance – The act or process of performing.
  • Tolerance – The quality of being tolerant.
  • Defiance – The act of defying or resisting.
  • Abundance – A very great quantity.
  • Reliance – The state of depending on something.
  • Radiance – The quality of being radiant.
  • Endurance – The ability to withstand hardship.

75. Suffix: -ant

Meaning: Denotes an agent or something characterized by a quality

  • Assistant – A person who assists.
  • Defiant – Characterized by defiance.
  • Important – Of great significance.
  • Servant – A person who serves.
  • Participant – One who takes part.
  • Exuberant – Full of energy and enthusiasm.
  • Hesitant – Showing reluctance or hesitation.
  • Militant – Combative and aggressive in support of a cause.

76. Suffix: -ent

Meaning: Denotes a quality or state; similar to –ant

  • Independent – Not dependent on others.
  • Persistent – Continuing firmly despite obstacles.
  • Different – Not the same as another.
  • Excellent – Extremely good.
  • Dependent – Relying on someone or something.
  • Confident – Self-assured.
  • Emergent – In the process of emerging.
  • Transparent – Easily seen through; obvious.

77. Suffix: -or

Meaning: Denotes an agent or one who does something

  • Actor – A person who acts in plays or movies.
  • Creator – One who creates.
  • Inventor – A person who invents.
  • Conductor – A person who leads an orchestra or transports.
  • Translator – One who translates languages.
  • Educator – A person who educates.
  • Director – One who directs a project.
  • Mentor – A trusted counselor or teacher.

78. Suffix: -ee

Meaning: Denotes the recipient of an action

  • Employee – A person who is employed.
  • Payee – A person to whom money is paid.
  • Trainee – A person who is being trained.
  • Escapee – A person who has escaped.
  • Referee – A person chosen to officiate a game.
  • Devotee – A person who is very interested in or enthusiastic about something.
  • Nominee – A person proposed for an honor or award.
  • Addressee – The person to whom something is addressed.

79. Suffix: -ese

Meaning: Denotes nationality or language, or characteristic features

  • Japanese – Pertaining to Japan.
  • Portuguese – Relating to Portugal.
  • Chinese – Pertaining to China.
  • Lebanese – Relating to Lebanon.
  • Javanese – Pertaining to Java.
  • Maltese – Relating to Malta.
  • Vietnames(e) – Pertaining to Vietnam.
  • Siamese – Relating to Siam (Thailand).

80. Suffix: -wardly

Meaning: In a specified direction; in a certain manner

  • Forwardly – In a forward direction.
  • Backwardly – In a backward direction.
  • Homewardly – Toward home.
  • Northwardly – In the direction of the north.
  • Eastwardly – In the direction of the east.
  • Skywardly – Up toward the sky.
  • Inwardly – In a manner directed inward.
  • Outwardly – In a manner directed outward.

If you’re looking for even more, check out this video about suffix examples:

YouTube Video by Learn English With Rohit — Suffix Examples

Final Thoughts: Suffix Examples

Suffixes are the small but mighty parts of words that transform our language.

Explore these suffix examples, mix and match them, and use them to add precision, nuance, and style to your writing.

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