ASVAB CampSuffixes flashcards
8 cards with the formulas, rules and traps from this lesson. Answer in your head, then flip to check.
Term · 1/8
Derivational suffix vs. inflectional ending: what is the difference?
A derivational suffix builds a new word, often a new word class (teach to teacher, calm to calmly). An inflectional ending only adds grammar to the same word: -s, -ed, -ing, comparative -er, -est.
Fact · 2/8
Which common suffixes form nouns?
-ness, -ity, -ty, -tion, -sion, -ment, -ance, -ence, -ship, -hood, -dom, -age, -ure; person endings -er, -or, -ist; and -ism for a belief or system.
Fact · 3/8
Which common suffixes form verbs?
-ize/-ise (standardize: make uniform), -ify/-fy (clarify: make clear), -en (widen: make wide), and sometimes -ate (activate). The synonym must also be a verb.
Word part · 4/8
-ful vs. -less: what does each mean?
-ful means full of or having (careful, joyful). -less means without or lacking (careless, fearless). Swapping one for the other often reverses the meaning: careless means negligent.
Word part · 5/8
What do -able and -ible mean?
Able to be or fit for: washable, visible, comprehensible (able to be understood). They form adjectives.
Common trap · 6/8
Does every word ending in -ly work as an adverb?
No. On an adjective, -ly usually forms an adverb (quickly), but on a noun it often forms an adjective: friendly, costly, orderly, elderly. If it describes a noun, it is an adjective.
Common trap · 7/8
Why is the base word in another form a trap answer (e.g. 'courage' for courageous)?
The answer must replace the target in the sentence, so it must match the word class. Courage is a noun and courageous an adjective; likewise width cannot replace widen.
Word part · 8/8
-ist vs. -ism: which names a person and which an idea?
-ist names a person who practices, studies or believes something (pianist, biologist). -ism names the belief, system or attitude itself (realism, pessimism).