Determine the meaning of a word with -ly or -ness

Key Notes :

What are Suffixes?

A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word. Suffixes change the meaning of a word. Today, we’ll learn about two helpful suffixes: -ly and -ness.

The Suffix -ly

-ly often turns a word into an adverb. An adverb tells how something is done.

• Quick (adjective): fast
• Quickly (adverb): in a fast way

Example: The rabbit is quick. The rabbit runs quickly.

Example Sentences	More Examples of -ly
The music was loud. The music played loudly.	Loud (adjective) Loudly (adverb)
She was sad. She spoke sadly.	Sad (adjective) Sadly (adverb)
Be careful! He walked carefully across the street.	Careful (adjective) Carefully (adverb)

The Suffix -ness

-ness turns a word into a noun. A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. -ness usually describes a state or quality of something.

• Happy (adjective): feeling joy
• Happiness (noun): the state of feeling joy

Example: Being with friends brings me happiness.

• Kind (adjective)
• Kindness (noun)
• Sad (adjective)
• Sadness (noun)
• Weak (adjective)
• Weakness (noun)
• Showing kindness is important.
• I felt sadness when the movie ended.
• His weakness was chocolate cake.
• -ly usually creates an adverb, describing how something is done.
• -ness usually creates a noun, describing a state or quality.

Understanding these suffixes can help you understand what you read and improve your vocabulary. Keep an eye out for -ly and -ness in your reading!

Let’s practice!