What are derivational suffixes?
**What Are Derivational Suffixes?**
Derivational suffixes are word parts added to the end of a base word to make a new word. They often change the meaning of the word, and sometimes they also change its part of speech. A base word is the main word before anything is added. For example, if we add a suffix to *happy*, we can make *happiness*.
These suffixes are very common in English. They help us build many new words from one root word. For example, *teach* becomes *teacher*, and *kind* becomes *kindness*. In these examples, the suffix changes the word into a noun. Other suffixes can turn adjectives into adverbs, such as *quick* becoming *quickly*.
Derivational suffixes are different from inflectional suffixes. Inflectional suffixes do not create a new word. They only show grammar, such as tense or number. For example, *walk* becomes *walked*, and *cat* becomes *cats*. But derivational suffixes create a new word with a new meaning.
Some common derivational suffixes in English are **-ness**, **-ful**, **-less**, **-er**, **-ly**, **-tion**, and **-ment**. The suffix **-ness** often makes a noun, as in *sadness*. **-ful** means “full of,” as in *helpful*. **-less** means “without,” as in *careless*. **-ly** often makes adverbs, as in *softly*.
Learning derivational suffixes can help you understand new words more easily. If you know the suffix, you can guess the meaning of a word even if you have never seen it before. This is useful for reading, writing, and vocabulary building.
## Conclusion
Derivational suffixes are important tools in English. They help create new words and new meanings. By learning them, you can grow your vocabulary and understand language better.