Suffixes: Words Ending with Suffixes "-ent/-ence" and "-ant/-ance"

As writers, we all know the importance of using the correct suffixes in our writing. Suffixes can change the meaning of a word and help us convey our message more effectively. Two common suffixes that we often use are “-ent/-ence” and “-ant/-ance”. In this article, we will explore the meaning and usage of these suffixes.

The “-ent/-ence” suffix is often used to form nouns from adjectives, such as “excellent” to “excellence” or “confident” to “confidence”. It can also be used to form adjectives from nouns, such as “residence” to “residential” or “existence” to “existent”. On the other hand, the “-ant/-ance” suffix is often used to form nouns from adjectives, such as “important” to “importance” or “relevant” to “relevance”. It can also be used to form adjectives from verbs, such as “dominate” to “dominant” or “tolerate” to “tolerant”.

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Understanding Suffixes -ent/-ence

Usage in English

When we come across the suffixes -ent/-ence in English, we can usually assume that they are used to form nouns or adjectives. These suffixes are often used to indicate the quality or state of being of the word they are attached to.

The -ence suffix is typically used to form nouns, while the -ent suffix is used to form adjectives. For example, the word “residence” is a noun formed by adding -ence to the adjective “resident.” Similarly, the adjective “different” becomes “difference” when -ence is added to it.

Examples

Here are some examples of words that use the -ent/-ence suffixes:

Adjective	Noun
Confident	Confidence
Independent	Independence
Excellent	Excellence
Evidence	Evident
Preferent	Preference

It’s important to note that not all adjectives that end in -ent can be turned into nouns by adding -ence. For example, “silent” does not become “silence” but instead becomes “silence” when the -ce suffix is added.

In conclusion, understanding the use of suffixes -ent/-ence can help us better understand the meaning of words and how they are formed. By paying attention to these suffixes, we can expand our vocabulary and improve our communication skills.

Suffixes “-ent/-ence” and “-ant/-ance”

Words Ending with Suffixes -ent and -ence

The suffixes –ant and –ance or –ent and –ence can often be added to the same root.

For examples:

hesitant/hesitance

The man was hesitant.

His hesitance cost him vital seconds.

absent/absence

He is absent from the meeting.

The decision was made in my absence.

Adjectives ending in –ent can change to make nouns ending in –ence:

For examples:

absent – absence
evident – evidence
violent – violence
innocent – innocence
patient – patience
confident – confidence

Words Ending with Suffixes -ant and -ance

Adjectives ending in –ant can change to make nouns ending in –ance.

For examples:

distant distance
fragrant fragrance
significant significance
elegant – elegance
brilliant – brilliance
important importance

Sentence examples:

confident/confidence

He is confident (adjective) that we will win.

He has a lot of confidence (noun).

important/importance

We are having an important (adjective) test on Friday.

We can’t forget the importance (noun) of this test.

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Comparison Between -ent/-ence and -ant/-ance

Similarities

Both -ent/-ence and -ant/-ance are suffixes that are commonly used in the English language. They are used to form nouns and adjectives from verbs and other nouns.

Both suffixes indicate a state or quality of being. For example, “evidence” and “relevance” both indicate a state of being relevant or pertinent. Similarly, “resistance” and “assistance” both indicate a quality of being resistant or helpful.

Differences

The main difference between -ent/-ence and -ant/-ance is the origin of the words they are derived from. -Ent/-ence is usually derived from Latin verbs while -ant/-ance is usually derived from Latin nouns.

Another difference is that -ent/-ence is typically used to form adjectives, while -ant/-ance is typically used to form nouns. For example, “excellent” is an adjective formed using -ent, while “importance” is a noun formed using -ance.

In terms of meaning, -ent/-ence often indicates a passive quality, while -ant/-ance often indicates an active quality. For example, “residence” indicates a passive quality of being a resident, while “resistance” indicates an active quality of opposing something.

Overall, both suffixes are useful in forming new words in English, and understanding their similarities and differences can help improve our vocabulary and communication skills.