In scientific and technical English, suffixes play a key role in the formation of specialized vocabulary. A suffix is added to the end of a base word and often changes the word class (for example, from a verb to a noun or from a noun to an adjective). This process allows English to create precise terms needed to describe processes, systems, devices, and properties.
Scientific suffixes are largely derived from Latin and Greek, which is why many science terms look similar across different languages and disciplines.
To describe characteristics, qualities, or capabilities, science English relies heavily on adjectival suffixes such as -ive, -able / -ible, -al, and -ous.
- -ive describes a property or tendency (conductive, reactive).
- -able / -ible expresses ability or possibility (programmable, scalable).
- -al shows relation or connection (digital, virtual).
- -ous indicates a characteristic or condition, often physical or chemical (hazardous, continuous).
These suffixes are crucial when describing materials, systems, and processes in scientific explanations and reports.
| suffix | example sentence | ||
| -ive | vlastnosť | conductive, reactive, comprehensive, constructive, massive, productive, competitive, alternative, imaginative, protective | Copper is a highly conductive material. |
| -able / -ible | schopnosť | programmable, scalable, acceptable, comparable, identifiable, disposable, predictable, manageable, variable, noticeable, remarkable | The device is programmable and easy to update. |
| -al | vzťah | digital, virtual, technical, experimental, statistical, transitional, global, logical | Digital communication is essential in modern society. |
| -ous | charakteristika | hazardous, continuous, simultaneous, spacious, spontaneous, tenacious, previous, obvious, arduous, contemptuous | Hazardous materials must be handled carefully. |
Complete each sentence with the correct form of the word given at the end of the line.
- Copper is widely used in electronics because it is highly __________.
(CONDUCT) - The new application is fully __________, allowing users to modify its features easily.
(PROGRAM) - __________ communication has replaced many traditional methods of information exchange.
(DIGIT) - Laboratory staff must follow strict procedures when working with __________ chemicals.
(HAZARD) - The software provides an __________ interface that improves user experience.
(INTERACT) - The device is not __________ with older operating systems.
(COMPAT) - Solar energy is a __________ resource that can reduce environmental impact.
(RENEW) - The system showed __________ behaviour when exposed to extreme conditions.
(ADAPT) - Faulty sensors may produce __________ data, leading to incorrect results.
(ERROR) - The robot operates in a fully __________ mode without human intervention.
(AUTONOMY)
Answer key: 1.conductive, 2.programmable, 3.digital, 4.hazardous, 5.interactive, 6.compatible, 7.renewable, 8.adaptive, 9.erroneous, 10.autonomous