-acy
suffix
UKˈ-ə.siUSˈ-ə.si
A state or quality of; used to form nouns from adjectives or nouns ending in -ate or -ac.
Example Sentences
The literacy rate is a strong indicator of a country's educational adequacy.
Her candidacy for the presidency was widely discussed in the media.
The fallacy in his argument became apparent during the debate.
The accuracy of the measurements was crucial for the experiment's success.
His legacy as a great leader lives on through his contributions to society.
The bureaucracy of the government often causes delays in decision-making.
The intricacy of the design required skilled craftsmanship to execute.
Diplomacy plays a vital role in maintaining international relations and peace.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A suffix forming nouns denoting quality, state, or condition.-acy is used to form abstract nouns from adjectives or sometimes other nouns, indicating a state, quality, or condition. For example, 'democracy' refers to the state or system of government by the people, while 'accuracy' indicates the quality of being accurate. It is often used to convey abstract or intangible qualities, making it common in academic, formal, and professional contexts.
Alternatives
Alternatives include using phrases such as 'the state of being' or 'the quality of.' For instance, instead of 'accuracy,' you could say 'the quality of being accurate.' Similarly, 'privacy' could be rephrased as 'the state of being private.' Depending on the context, synonyms or descriptive phrases might fit better.
Writing
When writing, use -acy nouns to articulate abstract ideas concisely and effectively. These nouns often enhance formality and precision. Avoid overloading sentences with multiple -acy words to maintain readability. Use specific examples or clarifying phrases if the term might be unfamiliar to the audience.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, -acy words like 'privacy' or 'accuracy' make discussions more precise but can feel formal. For casual speech, rephrase when possible, like saying 'keeping things private' instead of 'privacy.' However, these words are still widely understood and acceptable in most contexts.
Etymology
The suffix -acy originates from the Latin '-atia,' which became '-acy' in Old French and Middle English. It has been used since the late Middle Ages to express states or qualities, contributing to English’s rich abstract vocabulary. Words like 'democracy' trace their roots to classical languages, reflecting historical and cultural influences.