Suffixing

Suffixing refers to the process of adding a suffix to a word or base form, thereby altering its grammatical function, meaning, or both. This morphological operation is a fundamental aspect of word formation in many languages, enabling the creation of new words and the modification of existing ones. suffixing can involve a wide range of suffixes, each carrying specific semantic or grammatical roles, such as indicating tense, number, degree, or part of speech. The resulting word is known as a suffixed form, and it is constructed by combining the base word or root with the added suffix, transforming or developing it's meaning or function.

Suffixing meaning with examples

• The English language heavily relies on suffixing. Adding '-ing' to a verb, like 'run' becomes 'running,' transforming it into a gerund or present participle, which allows us to express ongoing action.
• In science, suffixing is used to denote special characteristics. For example, 'oxidize' has the '-ize' suffix which transforms the noun, 'oxide', into a verb meaning to be oxidized or coated.
• When you suffix a verb with '-ed,' such as 'walk' becoming 'walked,' you shift its tense to the past tense, which gives an indicator of when the action took place.
• Suffixing allows speakers to manipulate words. The word 'happy' (adjective) with the addition of suffix '-ness' turns into 'happiness,' (noun) creating a state of being from a characteristic.
• Consider the word 'child,' adding the suffix '-ren,' 'children' indicates plurality. This modifies the word to show that there is more than one instance, fundamentally changing the words meaning and implication.