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What does "ness" mean at the end of a word?

Published in English Suffix 2 mins read

The suffix "-ness" transforms an adjective into a noun, indicating a state, condition, or quality of being that adjective. It is a highly productive suffix in English, used to create abstract nouns that describe the characteristic or nature of something.

Understanding the Role of "-ness"

When added to an adjective, "-ness" effectively creates a noun that names the abstract concept of what that adjective describes. This grammatical shift allows us to talk about the inherent nature or a specific way something is.

  • Grammatical Transformation: It converts an adjective (a word describing a noun, like happy or dark) into a noun (a word representing a person, place, thing, or idea, like happiness or darkness).
  • Conceptual Meaning: The resulting noun refers to the existence or manifestation of the quality, state, or condition denoted by the original adjective.

Defining "State, Condition, or Quality"

To fully grasp the meaning of "-ness," it's helpful to understand what "state," "condition," and "quality" signify in this context:

  • State: Refers to the particular way someone or something is at a given time. For example, tiredness is the state of being tired.
  • Condition: Describes the circumstances or factors affecting how a person or thing exists. For instance, sickness is the condition of being sick.
  • Quality: Denotes a distinguishing characteristic, attribute, or feature. For example, kindness is the quality of being kind.

Examples of Words Formed with "-ness"

The suffix "-ness" can be attached to a vast number of adjectives, creating nouns that are essential for expressing abstract concepts. Here are some common examples illustrating its use:

Word with "-ness" Original Adjective Meaning (State/Quality/Condition of Being)
Redness Red The quality or state of being red
Happiness Happy The state or quality of being happy
Darkness Dark The condition or quality of being dark
Goodness Good The quality of being good
Kindness Kind The quality of being kind
Sweetness Sweet The quality of being sweet
Blindness Blind The state or condition of being blind
Stillness Still The state or quality of being still

In essence, "-ness" provides a simple and effective way to name the attribute or characteristic described by an adjective, making it a fundamental part of English word formation.