Adjectival endings


COULD you please explain the meaning of the suffixes -less, -ful and -free and how to correctly use them? Why do priceless and useless have opposite connotations, one positive and the other negative? If an article contains no error, should we say it is error-free or errorless? If an artist possesses no talent, is he talent-free or talentless? If some words have their opposite counterparts (i.e. careless vs. careful, useless vs. useful, helpless vs. helpful), can there be such words as beautiless (opposite of beautiful) and paperful (opposite of paperless)? – Nasir

The suffix “-less” can be added to nouns or verbs to form mainly adjectives. When added to nouns, it can mean “without”, or “not having”, as in “shameless” (without shame), “homeless” (not having a home to live in), “worthless” (without any worth), “valueless” (lacking material or moral value), “useless” (without any use or serving no purpose).

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Others Also Read