Suffix - Derivational Suffixes

Derivational Suffixes

In the example:

"The weather forecaster said it would be clear today, but I can't see clearly at all"

the suffix -ly modifies the root-word clear from an adjective into an adverb. Derivation can also form a semantically distinct word within the same syntactic category. In this example:

"The weather forecaster said it would be a clear day today, but I think it's more like clearish!"

the suffix -ish modifies the root-word clear, changing its meaning to "clear, but not very clear".

Some derivational suffixes in present day English:

• -ian
• -ize/-ise
• -fy
• -ly
• -ful
• -able/-ible
• -hood
• -ness
• -less
• -ism
• -ment
• -ist
• -al
• -ish