EnglishClub TEFL Forums (archived)

As I understand it a derivational suffix changes the meaning of the word. So with agreement I see the verb ‘agree’ (root) turned into a noun by adding the suffix ‘ment’ .

But if I look at 'ablutions' I see the non-word ‘ablu’ (root) plus two suffixes ‘tion’ and ‘s’ (the latter being an inflectional suffix).

Is this correct or are words with non word roots, exceptions to the rule and just stand as words? Thus the root ‘ablution’ and the suffix ‘s’.

I suspect it has two suffixes but would appreciate any views.

The sentence I have is: After a fitful night’s sleep, basic ablutions and a mug of bitter coffee, …

Thanks

Just in case anyone comes here I have an answer from else where. It is

ablu + tion + s root + derivational suffix + inflectional suffix

Cheers

Thanks for the info

Thanks for sharing quality information about suffix. After adding suffix in any word, It will change the meaning of the word. both prefix and suffix are important for the English dictionary.