-ee
suffix
UKiːUSiː
Denotes a person who is the recipient or beneficiary of an action, or the object of a verb
Example Sentences
The term 'employee' refers to a person who is employed by an employer.
An interviewee is someone who is being interviewed.
The suffix '-ee' is used to signify the person who experiences or receives an action.
The referee is responsible for enforcing the rules in a game.
A payee is the person who receives payment in a financial transaction.
The trustee is entrusted with the responsibility of managing another person's assets.
In legal terms, the term 'lessee' describes the person leasing a property.
The suffix '-ee' helps identify the recipient of an action in numerous contexts.
How to Use
Suffix denoting a person receiving or affected by an action.The suffix '-ee' is added to verbs to create nouns that describe a person who is the receiver of an action or is directly affected by it. For example, in 'employee,' the '-ee' denotes someone who is employed, or in 'nominee,' it refers to someone nominated. This suffix is commonly used to highlight the subject of an action or its outcome. Understanding its meaning helps in correctly interpreting terms and forming new words in formal contexts.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-ee' include rephrasing to avoid suffixes, like 'person receiving' or 'individual involved.' For instance, instead of 'attendee,' you could say 'participant.' However, '-ee' is often the most concise and standard way to indicate someone affected by an action. Rewriting alternatives depends on context, like using 'recipient' for 'addressee' or 'candidate' for 'nominee.'
Writing
When writing, use '-ee' for clarity and brevity to describe someone receiving or being affected by an action. For example, 'The trainee completed the program successfully.' Avoid overusing '-ee' words in creative writing to maintain natural flow. In professional writing, these terms add specificity.
Casual Conversation
In daily conversations, '-ee' words like 'employee' or 'trainee' are common for quick, clear communication. Avoid excessive use, and opt for simpler alternatives when speaking informally, like 'worker' instead of 'employee' or 'student' instead of 'trainee.'
Etymology
The suffix '-ee' originates from the French '-é,' a past participle ending. It entered English through Old French during the Norman Conquest and was adapted to form nouns indicating the recipient of an action. Historically, its usage expanded in legal and formal contexts before becoming common in modern English. It adds specificity and efficiency to language, offering a quick way to denote the person affected by or receiving an action.