Suffixes and Their Meanings

Front

-able, -ible

Back

adjective is; can be (e.g., collectable, gullible)

Front

-age

Back

noun result of an action; collection (e.g., manage, acreage)

Front

-al, -ial

Back

adjective having characteristics of (e.g., circumstantial, seasonal)

Front

-an

Back

noun one having a certain skill; relating/belonging to (e.g., American, electrician)

Front

-ate

Back

verb to make, have, become (e.g., differentiate, duplicate)

Front

-ed

Back

verb/adjective past tense verbs; adjectives (e.g., accomplished, accepted)

Front

-en

Back

noun/adjective made of (e.g., hydrogen, mistaken)

Front

-ence, -ance

Back

noun act; condition of (e.g., excellence, importance)

Front

-ent, -ant

Back

noun an action; condition; causing a specific action (e.g., student, contestant)

Front

-er, -or

Back

noun one who; action or process; more (e.g., teacher, boxer)