Noun Suffixes
Learning Objectives
In this lesson, you will focus on the following objective:
Vocabulary: Using suffixes to form nouns.
Vocabulary: Using suffixes to form nouns.
Noun Suffixes
Suffixes
A suffix is a word part that is added to the end of a word.
A noun suffix is a word part that, when added to a noun or another part of speech, changes the noun to a new noun and the other part of speech to a noun.
A noun suffix is a word part that, when added to a noun or another part of speech, changes the noun to a new noun and the other part of speech to a noun.
Literature Connection
You may recognize the word information without realizing that it is a noun formed from a verb.
You may recognize the word information without realizing that it is a noun formed from a verb.
“But new information has got to get out, and there are several ways to do it.”
—Toni Morrison, from “Thoughts on the African-American Novel”
The suffix -ation turns the verb inform into a noun. Noun suffixes change nouns into new nouns and other parts of speech into nouns. Knowing noun suffixes can help you determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Common Noun Suffixes
Suffix | Meaning | Base word or word root | Example |
---|---|---|---|
-ee | receiver of action | train | trainee |
-ance, -ence | state, quality | relevant persist |
relevance persistence |
-ant, -eer | agent, doer | contest puppet |
contestant puppeteer |
-ist, -tist | one who does, makes, or studies | cycle drama geology |
cyclist dramatist geologist |
-ment | result, condition | accomplish | accomplishment |
-ness | action, state | bright | brightness |
-tion, -ion | the act of | prosecute | prosecution |
- When you see a noun, determine whether it has a noun suffix.
Morrison feels disappointment about some critics’ reactions. - When a noun has a suffix, identify the root or base word.
Morrison wants her readers to participate in her novels. The participation of readers adds a new dimension to the books.
Noun Suffixes َQuiz
From the table above, choose a suffix that changes each word below to a noun. Write each complete word. (A final letter in a base word may be dropped before a suffix is added. A y at the end of a word may change to i.)
- considerate
- celebrate
- accomplish
- punctuate
- novel
- congregate
- descend
- fragrant
- construct
- kind
Answer Key
- consideration
- celebration
- accomplishment
- punctuation
- novelist
- congregation
- descendant
- fragrance
- construction
- kindness