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In grammar, a 'suffix' — a form of affix — follows the morpheme to which it attaches. Suffixes can be inflectional or derivational.
An inflectional suffix is sometimes called a 'desinence'.^[1]

Contents

Suffixes in the English language

Functions

Grammatical function

Semantic function

References

Suffixes in the English language

'Suffixes' appear as additions at the end of a word or at the end of part of a word.
'Suffixes' used in English frequently have Greek, French, or Latin origins.

Functions

Grammatical function

A suffix can have a grammatical (derivational or inflectional) function.
In this example:
:The weather forecaster said it would be clear today, but I can't see clearly at all.
The suffix ''-ly'' modifies the root-word ''clear'' to make it from an adjective into an adverb.

Semantic function

Alternatively, a suffix can have a semantic function.
In this example:
:The weather forecaster said it would be clear today, but I think it's more like clearish!
the suffix ''-ish'' modifies the root-word ''clear'', changing its meaning to "clear, but not very clear".

References

1. The Free Online Dictionary

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