-en
suffix
UKɛnUSɛn
Used to form verbs meaning 'to make' or 'to cause to be,' or to form adjectives meaning 'made of' or 'having a quality of'
Example Sentences
The verb 'shorten' means to make something shorter.
The adjective 'wooden' describes something made of wood.
The suffix '-en' is used in verbs like 'strengthen' to mean 'make stronger.'
Golden signifies something that is made of or resembles gold.
In English, '-en' can denote transformation, as in 'harden' (to make hard).
The word 'widen' means to make something wider.
Silveren, though archaic, refers to something made of silver or having its qualities.
The suffix '-en' is versatile in forming both verbs and descriptive adjectives.
How to Use
Suffix used to form verbs or adjectives indicating cause or material.The suffix '-en' serves two main purposes in English. First, it forms verbs that mean 'to cause to become,' such as 'strengthen' (to make strong) or 'harden' (to make hard). Second, it forms adjectives or indicates material, as in 'golden' (made of gold) or 'wooden' (made of wood). It’s commonly attached to nouns or adjectives to create words that convey transformation or material composition. In writing, ensure the context supports the usage of '-en' for clarity and precision.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-en' include rephrasing to use standard verbs or adjectives without the suffix. For example, instead of 'strengthen,' you might use 'make stronger,' or instead of 'golden,' you could say 'made of gold.' While '-en' often conveys succinct meaning, alternatives can help simplify or clarify ideas depending on the audience.
Writing
In writing, use '-en' to convey transformation or material in a compact way. Words like 'soften,' 'darken,' or 'frozen' add specificity and economy to your expression. Be cautious with overuse, as too many '-en' words may make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Instead, vary your word choices to maintain reader engagement.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, '-en' words like 'widen,' 'thicken,' or 'wooden' are natural and easily understood. Use them to describe transformations or materials succinctly. When needed, you can opt for simpler alternatives like 'make wider' or 'made of wood' to ensure clarity in informal settings.
Etymology
The suffix '-en' originates from Old English '-nian' for verbs and '-en' for adjectives, often related to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots. It historically conveyed causation, transformation, or material composition. '-en' remains a productive suffix in English, particularly for creating descriptive or transformative terms, bridging older linguistic roots with modern usage.
