suffix: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, technical, educational
Quick answer
What does “suffix” mean?
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function.
In computing and linguistics, any element added at the end of a string, filename, or data structure; also used metaphorically to denote something appended.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. Spelling and pronunciation differ slightly.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American academic writing; UK usage strongly associated with grammar teaching.
Grammar
How to Use “suffix” in a Sentence
[word] + suffixsuffix + [to/onto word]suffix + [that changes meaning]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suffix” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to suffix '-able' to form the adjective.
- The system will automatically suffix a timestamp.
American English
- You should suffix '-ize' to create the verb form.
- The program suffixes the file with '.bak'.
adverb
British English
- The morpheme was added suffixally.
- It operates suffixally rather than prefixally.
American English
- The modifier is attached suffixally.
- The language forms plurals suffixally.
adjective
British English
- The suffixal morphology is complex.
- This is a suffix-based derivation.
American English
- The suffixal element changes the word class.
- We studied suffix attachment rules.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in IT for file naming conventions.
Academic
Core term in linguistics, morphology, language studies.
Everyday
Mainly in educational contexts (language learning).
Technical
Linguistics, computing, mathematics, data processing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suffix”
- Pronouncing as /səˈfɪks/ (like 'suffice')
- Confusing with 'prefix'
- Using as a verb incorrectly ('He suffixed the letter')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A suffix is added to the end of a word; a prefix is added to the beginning.
Yes, this is common e.g., 'modern-ise-ation'.
Yes, it can be a suffix (present participle, gerund) e.g., 'walking'.
A suffix that indicates smallness or endearment e.g., '-let' in 'booklet'.
A letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or grammatical function.
Suffix is usually academic, technical, educational in register.
Suffix: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌf.ɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌf.ɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The suffix of the matter”
- “Add the suffix to injury (rare, playful)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUFFIX sounds like 'stuff it' at the END - it's letters you 'stuff' onto the end of a word.
Conceptual Metaphor
A suffix is a linguistic tool/tag/attachment.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a function of a suffix?