1. Verb Formation:
* To make or cause to be: This is the most common meaning. "-ate" is added to a noun or adjective to create a verb that means "to make something into that noun or adjective".
* Activate: To make something active.
* Educate: To make someone educated.
* Vaporize: To make something into vapor.
* Clarify: To make something clear.
2. Adjective Formation:
* Having the quality of: "-ate" can be added to nouns to form adjectives that describe something having the quality of that noun.
* Moderate: Having a moderate temperature.
* Intimate: Close and personal.
* Corporate: Relating to a corporation.
3. Noun Formation:
* The product of a process: "-ate" can be added to verbs to form nouns that refer to the product or result of the action of the verb.
* Acetate: A salt or ester of acetic acid.
* Nitrate: A salt or ester of nitric acid.
* Sulfate: A salt or ester of sulfuric acid.
4. Chemical Suffix:
* Salt or ester of an acid: "-ate" can be used in chemistry to indicate a salt or ester of a particular acid.
* Sodium acetate: A salt of acetic acid.
* Ethyl acetate: An ester of acetic acid.
5. Other:
* Past participle ending: In some cases, "-ate" can be a past participle ending, particularly for verbs of Latin origin.
* Calculate: To determine something by calculation.
* Validate: To confirm the truth or accuracy of something.
Important Note: It's important to consider the context in which you encounter the "-ate" suffix to determine its specific meaning. The surrounding words will help clarify the intended meaning.