Here's a breakdown:
* Meaning: Suffixes can change the meaning of a word in various ways:
* Adding a new concept: Like "-ness" in "happiness" (adding the concept of state or quality to "happy").
* Creating a different part of speech: Like "-ing" in "running" (turning the verb "run" into a noun).
* Creating a comparative or superlative: Like "-er" in "faster" and "-est" in "fastest".
* Grammatical Function: Suffixes can also change the grammatical function of a word:
* Nouns: "-ment" in "movement", "-ism" in "capitalism"
* Verbs: "-ize" in "modernize", "-ify" in "beautify"
* Adjectives: "-ful" in "careful", "-less" in "hopeless"
* Adverbs: "-ly" in "slowly", "-ward" in "backward"
Examples of Suffixes:
* -er: (worker, teacher)
* -ing: (running, swimming)
* -ment: (payment, movement)
* -ness: (kindness, happiness)
* -ly: (slowly, happily)
* -ful: (careful, hopeful)
* -less: (hopeless, careless)
* -ize: (modernize, organize)
* -ify: (beautify, simplify)
Understanding suffixes can help you:
* Learn new words: You can often figure out the meaning of a new word by recognizing its suffix.
* Improve your vocabulary: Knowing common suffixes can help you expand your vocabulary.
* Improve your writing: Suffixes can help you create more precise and descriptive language.
Let me know if you'd like to explore specific suffixes or have any other questions!