Final answer:
Suffixes like -ion, -ity, -age, -able, -er, -ed, and -s are used to modify the meanings of words in English, each imparting a unique transformation to the base term to denote actions, qualities, comparisons, or states.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Word Suffixes in English
Suffixes are a vital element of the English language, altering the meanings of words to which they are attached. Let's consider several important suffix groups:
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- The suffix -ion often turns verbs into nouns, indicating the action or result of a verb, as in creation from create.
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- Suffixes like -ity, -ety, and -ty often turn adjectives into abstract nouns indicating quality or state, like simplicity from simple.
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- The suffix -age indicates a related action or process, or its result, such as mileage which refers to the distance traveled in miles.
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- -able and -ible are suffixes that denote capability or worthiness, often turning verbs into adjectives, like in enjoyable.
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- The suffixes -er and -est are usually added to adjectives to form comparative and superlative forms, as in stronger and strongest.
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- -ed and -ing are used to form past and present participles of verbs, such as in talked and talking.
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- The suffix -s can form plurals of nouns and present tense third person singular verbs, like books and runs.
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- Profession or belief is often indicated by the suffix -ist, while -est can also signify the inhabitant of a place.
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- To form action verbs from nouns or adjectives, the suffix -ize is used, as in realize.
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- -en is a synonymizing suffix that can turn adjectives into verbs, like soften from soft.
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- Other common suffixes include -ful, -less, -ly, and -y, which have various purposes, such as forming adjectives indicating presence or absence of a quality.
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- Adding -ness to an adjective forms a noun that denotes a state or quality, for example, happiness.
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- Lastly, -ment is a suffix indicating the action or result of a noun or verb, as in replacement.
Each suffix adds a specific meaning and function to the base word, showcasing the versatility of the English language in forming new words and expressions.