Suffixes in English: What are Suffixes?

What are suffixes? A suffix is a letter or a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning. Suffixes and prefixes are also known as affixes. Examples of suffixes are: -er means one who performs action, -ism means belief, -ness means state of being, -fy means make, -ish means do, -ful means notable, -ly means adjective... In these examples the suffixes are in bold. Check out our suffixes infographic below.

Suffix Sentence Examples

Practice suffixes in the sentences below. See how suffixes change the meanings of words. Test yourself and see if you can understand the meaning of each suffix. Have a go and make your own sentences with the suffixes poster.

Suffixes	Meaning	Examples
-able -ed -en -er -est -fy -ish -ism -ive -ful -ing -ion -tion -less -ly -ness -ous -ship	can be done past-tense verbs made of performs action superlative make do belief having nature notable verb form act or process act or process without adjective state of being having qualities position held	comfortable, passable jumped, climbed, watched golden, wooden baker, teacher, driver nicest, cutest, biggest modify, clarify, classify punish, selfish, foolish Hinduism, Catholicism creative, decisive, expensive cupful, careful, hopeful running, jumping, laughing attraction, abortion, onion absorption, action endless, hopeless, tireless quickly, carefully, happily happiness, hopefulness erroneous, joyous partnership, internship

Suffix Games and Worksheets

Looking for more resources related to the suffixes? Check out our comprehensive list of worksheets and video games. Download worksheets and play interactive games for free.

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