The suffix of poetic is -ic.
Understanding the Structure of 'Poetic'
The word "poetic" is an excellent example of how suffixes transform base words to create new meanings or grammatical functions.
- Root Word: The foundational part of "poetic" is the word poet. A poet is known as "a verse writer."
- Suffix: The element added to the end of the root word is -ic.
- Meaning Transformation: When the suffix "-ic" is appended to "poet," it transforms the noun into an adjective, "poetic." The meaning of "poetic" becomes "expressive or symbolic," describing something related to or characteristic of poetry or poets.
Common Usage and Examples of the '-ic' Suffix
The suffix "-ic" is frequently used in English to form adjectives, often indicating "of or relating to," "characteristic of," or "made of."
Here's a breakdown:
| Word | Root Word | Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| poetic | poet | -ic | expressive or symbolic |
| electric | electron | -ic | relating to or operated by electricity |
| historic | history | -ic | relating to history or historical events |
| athletic | athlete | -ic | relating to athletes or athletics |
| artistic | artist | -ic | relating to art or artists |
The consistent application of this suffix across various words demonstrates its role in expanding vocabulary and conveying precise meanings in the English language.
