suffix
/ˈsʌfɪks/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌfɪks] /ˈsʌfɪks/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈʌfɪks] /ˈsə-fiks How to pronounce suffix (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈsʌf.ɪks/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈʌfɪks] /ˈsʌf.ɪks/ (ame, ipa)
suffix — noun
- suffixsingular
- suffixesplural
1. a group of letters placed after the main part of a word so that it forms a new w
a group of letters placed after the main part of a word so that it forms a new word or changes its grammatical job — for example, adding -er to the verb 'teach' gives the noun 'teacher'.
Wei learned that adding the suffix "-less" to "help" creates the word "helpless."
suffix "-less" creates adjective
Many English adverbs are made by putting the suffix "-ly" onto an adjective like "quick."
suffix "-ly" turns adjective into adverb
The word "happiness" uses the suffix "-ness," which changes an adjective into a noun.
When learning vocabulary, Rohan studies common suffixes such as "-tion," "-ment," and "-able."
During the ESL lesson, Ms. Nakamura showed the class how adding the suffix "-ness" turns "happy" into "happiness."
- prefix
letters added at the beginning, not the end, of a word
文法句型
suffix + to/of + noun
用法筆記
Suffixes are different from prefixes, which attach to the beginning of a word (e.g., un-, re-). The noun suffix is also sometimes called a 'word ending' in language lessons.
常見錯誤
suffix — verb
- suffixpresent simple I / you / we / they
- suffixes3rd person singular
- suffixing-ing form
- suffixedpast simple
1. to attach a group of letters after the main part of a root word, creating a new
to attach a group of letters after the main part of a root word, creating a new word with a changed meaning or grammatical purpose.
In English class, the students learned how to suffix "-ed" onto regular verbs to show the past tense.
suffix + -ed + onto + verb (past tense)
You can suffix "-able" to many verbs to create adjectives that mean "able to be done."
suffix + -able + to + verb → adjective
The linguist explained that we often suffix "-ment" to verbs like "agree" to turn them into nouns.
When forming the comparative, we suffix "-er" to short adjectives such as "tall" or "fast."
- prefix
to add letters at the beginning of a word
文法句型
suffix + letters/group + to + word
be suffixed with + letters
用法筆記
This sense is most common in grammar explanations and linguistics textbooks. The passive form (e.g., 'The word is suffixed with -ly') is frequently used in academic writing.
常見錯誤
2. to place a descriptive word or identifying term after someone's name or after a
to place a descriptive word or identifying term after someone's name or after a thing to provide extra information about rank, status, or type.
In formal documents, people often suffix "Jr." after a son's name when he shares his father's full name.
suffix + Jr. + after + name (formal titles)
The university chose to suffix "Professor Emeritus" after the retired teacher's name on the website.
Some companies suffix "Limited" or "Incorporated" after their business name on official paperwork.
The invitation listed the guest as "Dr. Aoi Tanaka" and suffixed "M.D." after her name for clarity.
- append
a neutral word for adding anything after something
- follow with
less formal; used in everyday speech
文法句型
suffix + word/title + after + noun/name
be suffixed after + name
用法筆記
Typically found in formal or legal contexts — such as certificates, letterheads, or official titles. The word placed after the name describes rank (e.g., PhD, Esq.) or legal status.
3. to place extra characters — such as numerals, letters, or signs — after the fina
to place extra characters — such as numerals, letters, or signs — after the final portion of a website address, a file name, or a segment of computer code.
The programmer had to suffix a version number to the end of each software file name.
suffix + version number + to + filename
Every email address from the company is automatically suffixed with "@example.com" by the server.
automatically suffixed with + domain
The web developer asked the team to suffix ".html" to all new page file names on the site.
When saving the image, the computer suffixed "_v2" to the original file name so the old copy was not lost.
文法句型
suffix + characters + to + address/filename/code
be suffixed with + extension/code
用法筆記
Common in technology and internet contexts. In everyday computing, the terms 'add' or 'append' are more frequent, but 'suffix' is used when the position (at the end) matters.
常見錯誤
4. to attach an extra piece of content — such as a note, a comment, or a detail — a
to attach an extra piece of content — such as a note, a comment, or a detail — at the end of a document, list, or other item.
In the database, each customer record is suffixed with a two-digit code that shows the customer's region.
passive: be suffixed with + [code] (formal register)
All file names in the archive are suffixed with a date stamp so the team can track the latest version.
be suffixed with + date/information (position-at-end emphasis)
The product codes are suffixed with a hyphen and a colour abbreviation, such as "-BL" for blue.
Niran noticed that each chapter title in the reference book was suffixed with a Roman numeral.
- remove
to take something away
文法句型
suffix + something + to + something
be suffixed to + noun
用法筆記
This is a formal and quite rare use of the verb. In most everyday situations, 'add,' 'append,' or 'attach' are more natural choices. It appears mainly in written instructions or legal language.