DETERMINE THE MEANING OF A WORD WITH -ABLE OR -MENT
Key Notes :
| What are Suffixes? |
A suffix is a group of letters added to the end of a word to change its meaning. They can change a word from a verb to a noun, or from one type of adjective to another. Think of them as little word-changers! Today, we’re going to learn about two common suffixes: -able and -ment.
| Suffix -able |
The suffix -able means ‘able to be’ or ‘capable of’. When you add -able to a verb, it usually turns the verb into an adjective.
- Example 1: read (verb) + -able = readable (adjective) – able to be read
- Example 2: wash (verb) + -able = washable (adjective) – able to be washed
- Example 3: believe (verb) + -able = believable (adjective) – able to be believed
| Suffix -ment |
The suffix -ment usually turns a verb into a noun. It often refers to the action, result, or state of doing something.
- Example 1: agree (verb) + -ment = agreement (noun) – the state of agreeing
- Example 2: excite (verb) + -ment = excitement (noun) – the state of being excited
- Example 3: govern (verb) + -ment = government (noun) – the act or system of governing
| Practice Time! |
Let’s practice! Read each word and determine its meaning based on the suffix.
Instructions: For words ending in -able, think ‘able to be’. For words ending in -ment, think about the action or result.
| enjoyable punishment breakable payment agreeable | Write a sentence using each word, showing that you understand its meaning. For example:enjoyable: The movie was enjoyable because it made us laugh.punishment: His punishment was to clean his room.breakable: Be careful with that vase, it’s breakable!payment: I made a payment on my credit card.agreeable: The weather is agreeable today for a picnic. |
| More Practice! |
Add either ‘-able’ or ‘-ment’ to the following words to make a new word. Then, use the new word in a sentence.
- adjust
- suit
- imagine
- move
- depend
For example:
- adjust + -ment = adjustment. I needed to make an adjustment to my bike seat.
| Summary |
Today, we explored how suffixes change the meanings of words! Remember, -able means ‘able to be’ and usually makes a word an adjective, while -ment often turns a verb into a noun related to an action or state. Keep practicing, and you’ll become suffix superstars!
Let’s practice!
