-id
suffix
UK/ɪd/ or /aɪd/US/ɪd/ or /aɪd/
Used to form adjectives or nouns indicating belonging, relating to, or characteristic of something, often in taxonomy or descriptive contexts. Derived from Latin or Greek. Examples include ‘arachnid’ (belonging to the class Arachnida), ‘hominid’ (member of the biological family Hominidae), and ‘vivid’ (possessing strikingly intense color or clarity).
Example Sentences
An arachnid, such as a spider or scorpion, belongs to the class Arachnida, showcasing the suffix’s taxonomic function.
The term hominid encompasses modern humans and our evolutionary ancestors, highlighting a shared lineage in the family Hominidae.
Vivid hues in a painting captivate the viewer's attention by offering brilliant, eye-catching color saturation.
In biology, the suffix '-id' is used to classify organisms into distinct groups, simplifying scientific communication and research.
Scientists coined the word 'echinoderm' to refer to starfish and sea urchins, though '-derm' means 'skin' while '-id' often underscores their group identity.
The suffix '-id' also appears in adjectives describing qualities or appearances, adding subtle nuance to English vocabulary and connecting modern words to ancient linguistic roots.
Taxonomically speaking, 'hominid' not only indicates shared physiology among great apes and humans but also serves as a foundation for studying how bipedalism, tool use, and cognitive development evolved over millions of years, thereby providing critical insights into the nature of humanity itself.
Though many words ending with '-id' may appear unrelated at first glance, understanding the historic and linguistic developments of this suffix reveals a fascinating tapestry of how English has incorporated Greek and Latin elements to define creatures, qualities, and concepts across diverse fields of knowledge.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning 'related to' or 'descendant of.'The suffix '-id' is used in various scientific and technical terms to denote a relationship, form, or descent. Examples include 'fluid' (related to flow), 'arachnid' (a member of the arachnid class), and 'hominid' (descendants of the human lineage). It is commonly used in biology, zoology, and other sciences to specify relationships or characteristics.
Alternatives
Alternatives to '-id' include phrases like 'connected to' or 'related to,' such as 'related to humans' for 'hominid.'
Writing
In writing, '-id' adds precision to scientific and technical terms, helping to classify and describe relationships or forms, such as 'asteroid' for star-like objects.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, '-id' terms like 'fluid' or 'hybrid' are common and generally understood, often used to describe properties or relationships without technical detail.
