Ity

/ɪti/ suffix

Definition

A suffix forming nouns that denote a quality, condition, or state.

Etymology

From Latin '-itas' (genitive '-itatis'), which formed abstract nouns from adjectives. Entered English through Old French '-ité' and became one of the most productive noun-forming suffixes in English.

Kelly Says

This tiny suffix is a linguistic workhorse that transforms adjectives into abstract concepts - 'real' becomes 'reality,' 'pure' becomes 'purity.' It's remarkable how this three-letter ending can make the intangible tangible, turning descriptive words into things we can discuss as concrete entities.

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