IELTS - Suffixes
Ten Powerful Suffixes
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
Applying Suffixes
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. the act or condition of
-ation
–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
-or
teacher, scholar, furrier, bettor
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
3. a partisan of the rebellion
a. flag b. supporter c. sign d. result
4. a palatial home
a. magnificent b. modest c.
formal d. enjoyable
5. the collegiate atmosphere
a. churchlike b. friendly c. cooperative d.
academic
6. assiduity in studies
a. alacrity b. cleverness c. diligence d. laziness
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 b. rare c.
dangerous d. useless
10. deleterious effects
a. good b. neutral c. bad d. delightful
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 j. faithfulness (Root word: Latin
"noxa," harm)
Ten
Additional Powerful Suffixes
Matching Synonyms
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
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 _____
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 d. very common
Latin "aurum," gold
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 d. stiff joints
Greek "kardia," heart
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 d. sensuality
Latin "carnis," flesh
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
Latin "verus," true
10. painful appendicitis
a. news b. surgery c.
inflammation of the appendix
d. removal of the appendix
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