Suffixes -ful and -less

-ful and -less

Leven VII

Empezar

The use of suffixes

The Suffix -ful means "full of" (fearful = full of fear), and -less means "without" (fearless = without fear). For some words, either suffix can be added. This guideline is not applicable for all of the words.

Two common suffixes you can add to words to make adjectives are -ful and -less.

-ful vs. -less

A suffix is a letter or group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning or function.

fanciful, resentful, woeful, doubtfu

vs

-less

hopeless, faultless, fearless, restless

-full

List of suffixes

ful

We ate a wonderful meal in the new Japanese restaurant. - "Full of wonder" is not the right meaning here. 'Excellent' is a better translation.

Mary brought in an armful of washing. - Literally "Mary's arm are full".

Bill is hopeful of receiving a job offer. - Literally "Bob is full of hope".

Susan really hurt Tony's feeling with that comment. She can be so thoughtless sometimes. - Literally "without a thought", although better translated as "inconsiderate".

His addiction ruined his life. He lost everything and eventually became homeless. - Literally "without a home".

the formation of words

The liquid produced in the reaction is colourless. - Literally "without colour".

less

ful

less

Ful

less

Senseless = He gave a senseless answer to a question.Plentiful = There´s plentiful evidence that the economy´s getting worse. Worthless = It's pretty, but it's just a bit of worthless costume jewelry. Harmless = Walking outside in the rain is totally harmless. Painful = I understand that this is painful for you, but you will get through it. Sleepless = When you have a baby, sleepless nights are to be expected. Homeless = This part of town always has a lot of homeless people in the street.

Now, it´s your turn

Sense + less = Home + less = Harm + less = Worth + less = Plenty + ful = Sleep + less = Pain + ful =

Write your own sentences using these words you have created:

You nailed it!