ness

ness · suffix

imported

Definitions

suffix

  1. 1.

    A suffix used to form nouns from adjectives, denoting a state, condition, or quality.

  2. 2.

    (geography, chiefly British) A headland or promontory, often found in place names.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    -ness words — nouns formed with this suffix (happiness, sadness, darkness, kindness)

Related words

See also: -ity, -ment, suffix

Etymology

From Old English -nes or -ness, a suffix forming abstract nouns from adjectives. The geographic sense comes from Old Norse nes ("headland, promontory"), related to "nose."