-hood
suffix
UKhʊdUShʊd
Denotes a state, condition, or quality of being, often used to refer to a particular stage of life, a community, or a collective group
Example Sentences
The term 'childhood' refers to the state or period of being a child.
In 'neighborhood,' the suffix '-hood' refers to a community or district.
The word 'brotherhood' denotes a community of people united by a common interest or bond.
The suffix '-hood' is used to express a collective group or stage of life, as in 'parenthood.'
In 'adulthood,' the term describes the period or state of being an adult.
The suffix '-hood' can also imply a social group, like 'womanhood,' meaning the state or experience of being a woman.
The term 'sisterhood' highlights the bond between sisters or women united by a common cause.
The word 'priesthood' refers to the office or status of a priest, or the collective group of priests.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'state,' 'condition,' 'group,' or 'characteristic.'The suffix '-hood' is used to form nouns that denote a state, condition, or quality of being, or a collective group. Examples include 'childhood' (the state of being a child), 'neighborhood' (a group of people living near each other), and 'brotherhood' (a characteristic or group bound by camaraderie). It emphasizes an inherent or collective quality.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-hood' include phrases like 'state of being' or 'community of,' such as 'state of being a child' for 'childhood.'
Writing
In writing, '-hood' adds a formal tone to abstract concepts or group identities, such as 'adulthood' to describe maturity or 'nationhood' to convey a collective identity.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-hood' is commonly used in words like 'parenthood' or 'neighborhood,' easily understood in its context as a state or community.