Vocabulary Development: Suffixes (Adjective Derivations) - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Introduction to Suffixes

Suffixes are letters or groups of letters added at the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function. In the case of adjectives, suffixes are used to form new adjectives from other parts of speech, often altering their meanings slightly or significantly.

 

Common Adjective Suffixes

1. -ful: This suffix means "full of" or "having the qualities of." It is often used to form adjectives that describe positive attributes.

   - **Examples**:

     - **Grateful**: full of gratitude.

     - **Helpful**: full of help.

 

2. -ment: While commonly a noun suffix, it can sometimes be found in adjectives formed from nouns or verbs.

   - **Examples**:

     - **Enrichment**: the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something.

     - **Excitement**: a feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness.

 

3. -al: This suffix means "pertaining to" or "related to." It forms adjectives that describe a relationship or connection to something.

   - **Examples**:

     - **Intentional**: done with intention or purpose.

     - **Natural**: existing in or caused by nature.

 

4. -less: This suffix means "without" or "lacking." It is used to form adjectives that describe a lack or absence of something.

   - **Examples**:

     - **Faithless**: without faith.

     - **Hopeless**: without hope.

 

5. -ish: This suffix means "having the quality of" or "somewhat like." It is often used to form adjectives that describe a resemblance or a characteristic that is not exact.

   - **Examples**:

     - **Childish**: having the qualities of a child.

     - **Foolish**: having the qualities of a fool.

 

6. -ive: This suffix means "having the nature of" or "tending to." It is often used to form adjectives that describe a tendency or characteristic.

   - **Examples**:

     - **Attentive**: paying close attention to something.

    - **Active**: having the nature of activity.

 

Forming Adjectives with Suffixes

Understanding how to form adjectives using suffixes can help in expanding your vocabulary and improving your comprehension skills. Here are some examples:

 

Hope (noun) + -ful = Hopeful (adjective)

Hope (noun) + -less = Hopeless (adjective)

Child (noun) + -ish = Childish (adjective)

Attract (verb) + -ive = Attractive (adjective)