A suffix is a group of letters that is added to the end of a word to create another word.
Most common suffixes are set solid with the preceding word:
| Nouns | Verbs | Adjectives | Adverbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| -al (refusal) | -ate (hyphenate) | -al (autumnal) | -ly (bravely) |
| -ation (damnation) | -en (soften) | -ful (hateful) | -ward (homeward) |
| -dom (freedom) | -ify (solidify) | -less (wordless) | -wise (clockwise) |
| -ment (enlargement) | -ise (advertise) | -ive (deliberative) | |
| -ness (steepness) | -ous (bulbous) | ||
| -ship (mateship) | -(e)y (tasty) | ||
| -type (archetype) |
Exceptions for hyphens with suffixes
A few suffixes use hyphens in particular combinations:
threefold fivefold but 3-fold 25-fold [when combined with numerals]
countrywide statewide worldwide but Australia-wide Brisbane-wide [when combined with place names]
airborne foodborne waterborne but vector-borne mosquito-borne [when less familiar]