Suffixes play a crucial role in defining the meaning and grammatical function of words. One such suffix is “-ous,” which typically signifies a characteristic or quality pertaining to something. Understanding the meaning of the suffix “-ous” is essential for comprehending and expanding vocabulary.
What Does the *-ous* Suffix Mean?
The -ous suffix is an adjectival suffix that means “full of” or “having the quality of.” It is often used to describe something that is characterized by a particular trait or quality. For example, the word dangerous means “full of danger,” and the word glorious means “full of glory.”
Examples of Words with the *-ous* Suffix
The -ous suffix can be added to a wide variety of words, including:
- Nouns: dangerous, glorious, marvelous, ominous
- Adjectives: curious, gracious, joyous, righteous
- Verbs: envious, jealous, luxurious, tedious
Usage of the *-ous* Suffix
The -ous suffix is typically used to describe something that is characterized by a particular trait or quality. However, it can also be used to describe something that is simply related to or associated with something else. For example, the word spacious means “having a lot of space,” and the word victorious means “having achieved victory.”
Table of Words with the *-ous* Suffix
The following table provides a list of words with the -ous suffix, along with their definitions:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| dangerous | full of danger |
| glorious | full of glory |
| marvelous | full of wonder |
| ominous | full of foreboding |
| curious | full of curiosity |
| gracious | full of grace |
| joyous | full of joy |
| righteous | full of righteousness |
| envious | full of envy |
| jealous | full of jealousy |
| luxurious | full of luxury |
| tedious | full of tedium |
| spacious | having a lot of space |
| victorious | having achieved victory |
Question 1:
What is the meaning of the “-ous” suffix?
Answer:
The “-ous” suffix is an adjective-forming suffix that means “full of,” “having the nature of,” or “characterized by.”
Question 2:
How is the “-ous” suffix used in English?
Answer:
The “-ous” suffix is added to the end of nouns or verbs to create adjectives that describe the quality or characteristic of something.
Question 3:
What are some common examples of words that use the “-ous” suffix?
Answer:
Common examples of words that use the “-ous” suffix include “dangerous,” “famous,” and “curious.”
Thanks for sticking with me through this quick dive into the world of “-ous.” I hope you found it informative and entertaining. Remember, language is a living thing, constantly evolving and changing. So, if you’re ever curious about the meaning of a word, don’t hesitate to look it up. The English language is a treasure trove of fascinating words and phrases, and I encourage you to keep exploring its depths. Swing by again sometime for more linguistic adventures!