Suffix: ity and ness

Suffix: ity and ness

Suffix: -ity

Rules

Definition

• Add the suffix "-ity" to the end of adjectives or nouns to form abstract nouns.
• For adjectives ending in "-ic," drop the "c" before adding "-ity" (e.g., "public" becomes "publicity").
• For adjectives ending in "-al," replace the "al" with "-ity" (e.g., "accidental" becomes "accidentality").
• Some adjectives undergo spelling changes when adding "-ity" (e.g., "able" becomes "ability").

The suffix "-ity" is used to form abstract nouns indicating a state, quality, or condition associated with the base word.

Suffix: -ity

Examples

Uses

• Forming abstract nouns to represent states, conditions, qualities, or characteristics.
• Adding emphasis to the abstract concept conveyed by the base word.
• Creating nouns that describe intangible aspects of phenomena or experiences.

• Public -> Publicity
• Personal -> Personality
• Modern -> Modernity
• Sincere -> Sincerity
• Absurd -> Absurdity

Suffix: -ness

Definition

Rules

The suffix "-ness" is used to form abstract nouns indicating a state, quality, or condition associated with the base word.

• Add the suffix "-ness" to adjectives or nouns to create abstract nouns representing a state, condition, or quality.
• Adjectives that end in "-y" change to "-iness" (e.g., "happy" becomes "happiness").
• Some adjectives may undergo minor spelling changes when adding "-ness."

Suffix: -ness

Uses

Examples

• Forming abstract nouns that express qualities, states, or conditions.
• Describing the inherent nature or characteristic of something.
• Creating nouns that represent intangible concepts or attributes.

• Kind -> Kindness
• Sad -> Sadness
• Darkness
• Happiness
• Laziness