Complete list of suffixes with meaning, examples, and classification
| Suffix | Vowel / Consonant | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noun Suffixes | |||
| -acy | Vowel | State or quality | Accuracy, Privacy |
| -al | Vowel | Act or process | Approval, Arrival |
| -ance, -ence | Vowel | State or quality | Maintenance, Eminence, Assurance |
| -dom | Vowel | Place or state of being | Freedom, Kingdom, Boredom |
| -er, -or | Vowel | One who | Trainer, Protector |
| -ism | Vowel | Doctrine or belief | Communism, Skepticism |
| -ist | Vowel | One who | Chemist, Narcissist |
| -ity, -ty | Vowel | Quality of | Serenity, Parity |
| -ment | Consonant | Condition or result | Endorsement, Punishment |
| -ness | Consonant | State of being | Sadness, Rudeness |
| -ship | Consonant | Position or status | Friendship, Ownership |
| -sion, -tion | Consonant | State of being | Decision, Information |
| Verb Suffixes | |||
| -ate | Vowel | Become or cause | Regulate, Repudiate |
| -en | Vowel | Become | Enlighten, Strengthen |
| -ify, -fy | Vowel | Make or become | Terrify, Simplify |
| -ize, -ise | Vowel | Become | Humanize, Socialize |
| Adjective Suffixes | |||
| -able, -ible | Vowel | Capable of being | Edible, Credible |
| -al | Vowel | Pertaining to | Emotional, Coastal |
| -esque | Vowel | Reminiscent of | Picturesque, Statuesque |
| -ful | Consonant | Notable for | Helpful, Doubtful |
| -ic, -ical | Vowel | Pertaining to | Musical, Domestic |
| -ious, -ous | Vowel | Characterized by | Nutritious, Studious |
| -ish | Vowel | Having the quality of | Childish, Fiendish |
| -ive | Vowel | Having the nature of | Creative, Decisive |
| -less | Consonant | Without | Endless, Lawless |
| -y | Consonant | Characterized by | Greasy, Smelly |
Suffixes are important elements of the English language. They are used to make new words and give base words different meanings. There are vowel suffixes and consonant suffixes. Vowel suffixes include endings such as -ed, -er, -es, -end, and -ing. Consonant suffixes include endings such as -s, -less, -ness, -ment, and -ly. Adding suffixes to words can be tricky to learn and master, but learning six basic suffix spelling rules will help you know how to use suffixes correctly. Keep in mind that there are some exceptions to each of the suffix rules.