Suffix Meanings

-est

most or the highest degree of quality; forms an adjective or adverb (examples: slowest, fastest, highest)

-ify, -fy

make or become; forms a verb

(examples: beautify, simplify, clarify)

-ile

capable of, characteristic of, susceptible to, prone to, or relating to; forms an adjective

(examples: infantile, fragile, versatile)

-ism

signifies specific: belief system, philosophy, doctrine, behavior, or state of being; forms an abstract noun

(examples: patriotism, realism, heroism)

-ist

one who performs an action; believer; forms a noun

(examples: therapist, artist, scientist)

-ity, -ty

quality or, state of, or degree of; forms a noun

(examples: liberty, activity, safety)

-ous, -eous, -ious

possessing the qualities of; forms an adjective

(examples: joyous, dangerous, famous)

-ure

an act, process, result, function, or state of being; forms a noun

(examples: creature, closure, failure)