Suffixes list
These are the most common suffixes, along with their most common meanings. Not every meaning is given here. Use a dictionary for more information. Starred (*) suffixes are listed under two or more headings.
Used to form verbs
Make or become
| -ize/ise | symbolize, visualize, privatize |
| -ate | differentiate, activate, duplicate |
| -fy/ify | classify, purify, simplify, justify |
| -en | sadden, fasten, shorten, darken |
Used to form nouns
Action or state
| *-age | breakage, wastage |
| *-al | survival, renewal |
| -ance/ence | assistance, acceptance, confidence, preference |
| -cy | efficiency, frequency, accuracy |
| *-ery/ry | bravery, rivalry |
| -hood | childhood, likelihood |
| -ion/sion/tion | completion, confusion, election |
| /ation/ition | alteration, competition |
| -ity | ability, similarity, curiosity |
| -ment | development, unemployment |
| -ness | darkness, awareness |
| *-ship | ownership, friendship |
Person or thing that... something
| -ant/ent | does | assistant, student, deterrent |
| -ee | experiences | employee, absentee, interviewee |
| -er/or | does | driver, computer, actor, supervisor |
| -ist | studies, works as | linguist, chemist, dentist |
| -ist | plays/believes in | pianist, violinist, socialist, Buddhist |
Other meanings
| *-age | group, place | baggage, wreckage, anchorage |
| *-ery/ry | group, place, skill | machinery, bakery, refinery, cookery |
| -ism | set of ideas | anarchism, nationalism, racism |
| *-ship | skill, group | workmanship, readership |
Used to form adjectives
Having a certain quality
| *-able | fashionable, comfortable |
| -ent | different, dependent, excellent |
| -ful | beautiful, peaceful, careful, forgetful |
| -ive | attractive, effective, imaginative, explosive |
| -ous | continuous, dangerous, famous, poisonous |
Other meanings
| *-able/ible | can or must be | drinkable, countable, flexible |
| *-al | connected with | central, political, magical |
| -ish | approximately | thirtyish, yellowish, tallish |
| -less | without | endless, homeless, meaningless |