后缀是一种重要的构词法,通过后缀常常可以判断出一个词的词性。一个英语单词可以分为三个部分:前缀(prefix),词根(stem)及后缀(suffix)。单词中位于词根前面的部分就是前缀。
-ify 意为:转为,变为(to turn into,to make or become)例词:beautify, diversify,simplify;
-ize;-en 意为:使……,变得……(to make or become ;to make into)例词:modernize,popularize,legalize,hospitalize,symbolize,ripen,widen,heighten,threaten;
-ate 意为:增加,使……听写(give or add,make or become)例词:originate, hydrogenate,validate,differentiate;
-ful 意为:充满,有(full of;hav- ing;giving;etc.)例词:useful,pitiful, hopeful,careful,helpful,forgetful,thankful, fearful;
-less 意为:没有,无(without;not giving)例词:speechless,childless,harmless,hopeless,meaningless ,homeless;
-ly 意为:有……品质的(having the qualities of)例词:beastly,manly, brotherly,friendly