-ory

¹

1. an adjective-forming suffix, joined to bases of Latin origin in imitation of borrowed Latin words containing the suffix -tory1 (and its alternant -sory ): excretory; sensory; statutory .

-ory

²

1. a suffix forming nouns denoting places or receptacles, joined to bases of Latin origin in imitation of borrowed Latin words containing the suffix -tory2 (or its alternant -sory ): crematory .

-ory

¹

suffix forming nouns

1. indicating a place for

   observatory

2. something having a specified use

   directory

-ory

²

suffix forming adjectives

1. of or relating to; characterized by; having the effect of

   promissory

   contributory

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ory¹

Middle English -orie < Anglo-French; Old French -oire < Latin -ōrius, extracted from -tōrius -tory ¹; -or ²

Origin of -ory²

Middle English -orie < Anglo-French; Old French -oire < Latin -ōrium, extracted from -tōrium -tory ²; -ory ¹, -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ory¹

via Old French -orie, from Latin -ōrium, -ōria

Origin of -ory²

via Old French -orie, from Latin -ōrius

Example Sentences

"He is consumed with regret and is very fearful of the confrontation with Paty's family," Antoine Ory, lawyer for one of the accused, said on Monday before the hearing started.

From Reuters

A day after the complaint about Alonzo's talk, Marcia Ory, a professor at Texas A&M Health and co-chair of the university's Opioid Task Force with Alonzo, warned about the long-term consequences.

From Salon

"The incident in Galveston yesterday is probably an indicator of how sensitive and politically charged this topic is and the need to tread lightly and be aware that anything can be taken out of context," Ory wrote in an email to Jon Mogford, vice president of Texas A&M Health.

From Salon

"It's a shame because all we want is to make people aware of harm-reduction strategies that can save lives, especially among youth and young adults who are especially vulnerable these days," wrote Ory, who did not respond to a request for comment.

From Salon

Other projects around the anniversary include a three-season collaboration with the Long Beach Opera, exploring connections between dance and opera; a documentary in development with PBS about the current company, slated to premiere in the 2025-26 season; and a book by Deborah Ory and Ken Browar of NYC Dance Project, featuring today’s Graham dancers and archival photos from the past 100 years, to be published in fall 2025.

From New York Times

Related Words

• golden
• silvery