-ity

1. a suffix used to form abstract nouns expressing state, condition, or quality: jollity; civility; Latinity; variability.

-ity

suffix forming nouns

1. indicating state or condition

   technicality

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ity¹

Variant of -itie, Middle English -ite < Old French < Latin -itāt- (stem of -itās ); in many words representing Latin -itās directly

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ity¹

from Old French -ite, from Latin -itās

Example Sentences

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris’ impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the ity of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation.

From Seattle Times

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris’ impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the ity of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation.

From Washington Times

What does Shakespeare mean by the expression to "shuffle off this mortal coil"?—Combine and define mortal + ity.—What is the opposite of "mortal"?—Give a synonym.

From Literature

Final e of a primitive word is dropped on taking a suffix beginning with a vowel: as, blame + able = blamable; guide + ance = guidance; come + ing = coming; force + ible = forcible; obscure + ity = obscurity.

From Literature

MODEL: "When the King of Siam was told that in Europe the water at certain seasons could be walked on, he declared that the statement was not credible."—What single word will express not credible?—Combine and define credible + ity.—Give a synonym of "credible."

From Literature