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suffixal

suffixal

7.0
Relating to a word ending that changes meaning or grammar
  • adjective
  • /ˈsʌfɪksəl/
  • Specialized
: sufijal
  • The suffixal element in 'happiness' is the ending '-ness'.

Examples

  • In English, many suffixal endings indicate tense.

  • Some languages use suffixal changes to indicate tense or number.

  • Her research focused on suffixal patterns in English word formation.

  • The suffixal forms of the word are important in linguistics.

  • The suffixal element in 'happiness' shows the addition that forms a new meaning.

  • In linguistics, suffixal modifications are essential for understanding word structures.

  • Many languages feature suffixal changes that alter the meaning of root words.

Surface Forms

suffixal positive

Morphology

suffixal = suffix (transparent) = suffix + al

The adjective is formed transparently from the noun 'suffix' plus the common adjectival suffix '-al'.

Etymology

Suffixal comes from suffix, which comes from the Latin parts sub- ('under') and figere ('to fasten'), so a suffix is something 'fastened' to the end of a word. So suffixal means 'relating to that ending'.