suffix

[ noun suhf-iks; verb suhf-iks, suh-fiks ]

noun

1. Grammar. an affix that follows the element to which it is added, as -ly in kindly.
2. something added to the end of something else.

verb (used with object)

1. Grammar. to add as a suffix.
2. to affix at the end of something.
3. to fix or put under.

verb (used without object)

, Grammar.

1. to admit a suffix.
2. to add a suffix.

suffix

/ ˈsʌfɪksəl; sʌˈfɪkʃən /

noun

1. grammar an affix that follows the stem to which it is attached, as for example -s and -ness in dogs and softness Compare prefix
2. anything that is added at the end of something else

verb

1. tr grammar to add (a morpheme) as a suffix to the end of a word
2. tr to add (something) at the end of a sentence, comment, or piece of writing

suffix

1. A letter or a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning. For example, adding the suffix -ter to the adjective hot turns it into the comparative adjective hotter , and adding the suffix -ly to the adjective quick turns it into the adverb quickly . Other examples of words with suffixes are: “will ing ,” “manage ment ,” “service able ,” “harmon ize ,” and “joy ful .” ( Compare prefix .)

Derived Forms

• suffixion, noun
• suffixal, adjective

Other Words From

• suf·fix·al [suhf, -ik-s, uh, l, s, uh, -, fik, -], adjective
• suf·fix·a·tion [suhf-ik-, sey, -sh, uh, n], suf·fix·ion [s, uh, -, fik, -sh, uh, n], noun
• un·suffixed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffix¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from New Latin suffixum, noun use of neuter of Latin suffixus, past participle of suffīgere “to attach on top of ,” equivalent to suf- suf- + fīgere “to fasten”; fix

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffix¹

C18: from New Latin suffixum, from Latin suffixus fastened below, from suffīgere, from sub- + fīgere to fasten

Example Sentences

For those of you who did not grow up in Yiddish-infused households, let me briefly explain: the suffix -eleh is a diminutive term of affection.

From Salon

The word “logic” comes from the Greek term “logos” which is the root for our suffix -ology.

From Salon

And because Jefferson's original moniker was spelled as Megalonyx, any other subsequent spellings of the name, like some that utilize the -onix suffix, are incorrect.

From Science Daily

The moniker is a play on the creature's cartoonishly wide-eyed face and is derived from a mashup of the words "Kermit" and the Greek suffix "-ops," which means face.

From Science Daily

The name combines “Kermit” and the Greek suffix “-ops,” which means face.

From New York Times