Suffixes and Word Stress:
* Suffixes are word endings that add meaning or change a word's grammatical function. For example, "-ing" (present participle), "-ed" (past tense), or "-ly" (adverb).
* Word stress refers to the emphasis placed on a particular syllable in a word. It's usually indicated by a stronger pronunciation or a slight pitch change.
Stress and Suffixes:
Sometimes, the addition of a suffix changes the stress pattern of a word. This is especially true with multi-syllabic words and certain suffixes.
Here's how it works:
* English has a tendency for stress to fall on the penultimate (second-to-last) syllable in a word. For example: "record", "remember", "defense".
* When a suffix is added, the stress can shift to the penultimate syllable of the newly formed word. For example: "recording, "remembering, "de**fensive".
Common Suffixes that Can Change Stress:
* -ity: "happy" -> "happity"
* -ation: "transform" -> "transformation"
* -ive: "act" -> "active"
* -al: "nation" -> "national"
Exceptions and Irregularities:
* Stress can also be affected by the type of suffix and the origin of the word. For example, "-ness" doesn't always shift the stress ("happy" -> "happiness", but "good" -> "goodness").
* There are many irregular cases where the stress remains on the same syllable even after adding a suffix.
Importance of Understanding Stress and Suffixes:
* Pronunciation: Knowing stress patterns helps you pronounce words correctly.
* Word recognition: Stress patterns aid in recognizing and understanding words.
* Grammar and meaning: Stress can sometimes indicate grammatical function or subtle changes in meaning.
Remember, English pronunciation is complex and doesn't follow strict rules all the time. If you are unsure about the stress of a word, consult a dictionary or listen to native speakers.