-er

Definition

-er is a suffix commonly used in English to form both comparative adjectives and agent nouns. When attached to an adjective, it indicates a higher degree of the quality described, such as in 'taller' or 'faster.' When used with verbs, it denotes someone or something that performs the action of that verb, as seen in words like 'teacher' or 'runner.' This dual functionality makes -er an essential component in understanding how words can evolve through inflection and derivation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. -er can transform adjectives into comparative forms, allowing for straightforward comparisons between two items or people.
2. When forming agent nouns with -er, the root word typically expresses an action, showing what the individual does.
3. -er is versatile; it can attach to a wide variety of base words in English, reflecting both quality and action.
4. In addition to -er, other suffixes like -est are used to form superlatives, which indicate the highest degree of a quality.
5. The use of -er in language illustrates how affixes contribute to the richness of English vocabulary and grammar.

Review Questions

• How does the suffix -er change the meaning of base words in English?
  • -er alters base words primarily by indicating either comparison or agency. When added to adjectives, it forms comparative terms that imply one thing possesses more of a quality than another. When appended to verbs, it creates nouns that denote individuals or entities performing the action indicated by that verb. This shows how suffixes can enhance meaning and expand vocabulary.
• Discuss the role of -er in forming comparative adjectives and how it differs from other suffixes like -est.
  • -er serves to create comparative adjectives that allow for direct comparisons between two entities, such as 'faster' versus 'slower.' In contrast, the suffix -est is used for superlative adjectives to describe the highest degree among three or more entities, like 'fastest.' This distinction highlights how English utilizes various affixes to convey different degrees of comparison effectively.
• Evaluate how the suffix -er contributes to the formation of vocabulary and grammatical structure in English.
  • The suffix -er significantly enriches both vocabulary and grammatical structure by allowing for a diverse range of meanings derived from simple root words. By facilitating the creation of comparative adjectives and agent nouns, -er plays a crucial role in communication, enabling speakers to express nuances in qualities and actions. The ability to modify words through affixation not only expands vocabulary but also provides speakers with tools for more precise expression.

Related terms

Comparative: A grammatical form used to compare two entities, often ending in -er when modifying adjectives.

Agent Noun: A noun that indicates a person or thing that performs a specific action, frequently formed by adding -er to a verb.

Inflection: The modification of a word to express different grammatical categories such as tense, mood, voice, aspect, person, number, gender, and case.