Suffix, language, meaning, verb, noun
What Does the Suffix “-ate” Mean?
The suffix “-ate” is used to form verbs that mean “to make or become.” It can be added to nouns, adjectives, and other verbs.
When “-ate” is added to a noun
When “-ate” is added to a noun, it means “to make or become like the noun.” For example, the verb “carbonize” means “to make or become like carbon.”
When “-ate” is added to an adjective
When “-ate” is added to an adjective, it means “to make or become the adjective.” For example, the verb “oxidate” means “to make or become oxidized.”
When “-ate” is added to a verb
When “-ate” is added to a verb, it means “to cause the verb to happen.” For example, the verb “activate” means “to cause to become active.”
Suffix “-ate” Verbs Examples
| Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| agitate | to stir up |
| calculate | to figure out |
| demonstrate | to show |
| exaggerate | to make something seem bigger than it is |
| liberate | to set free |
Here are some additional examples of “-ate” verbs:
- abominate: to hate
- accelerate: to make faster
- accumulate: to gather together
- agitate: to stir up
- alienate: to make someone feel like an outsider
- annotate: to add notes to
- appropriate: to take for oneself
- articulate: to speak clearly
- assassinate: to kill
Question 1:
What is the meaning of the suffix “-ate”?
Answer:
The suffix “-ate” is typically used to form verbs that indicate a state of being or a process of becoming. It is often added to adjectives or nouns to create verbs that describe a change or transformation.
Question 2:
How does the suffix “-ate” change the meaning of a word?
Answer:
When added to an adjective, the suffix “-ate” creates a verb that describes the process of becoming or experiencing that quality. For example, the adjective “accurate” becomes the verb “accuratize,” which means to make or become accurate.
Question 3:
What are some common words that use the suffix “-ate”?
Answer:
Words that commonly use the suffix “-ate” include:
- Activate
- Educate
- Illuminate
- Legitimize
- Negotiate
And there you have it, folks! The suffix “-ate” is a versatile little guy that can turn verbs into adjectives, make nouns more abstract, and even create new words. Thanks for joining me on this linguistic adventure. If you’re still hungry for more wordy wisdom, be sure to check back soon for another dose of language fun. Until next time, keep exploring the fascinating world of suffixes!