-ile
suffix
UK/ɪl/ or /aɪl/US/ɪl/ or /aɪl/
Used to form adjectives (and occasionally nouns) from Latin roots, indicating a capability, susceptibility, or characteristic quality. Derived from Latin ‘-ilis,’ it often conveys the sense of ‘able to be’ or ‘characterized by.’ Examples include ‘fragile’ (easily broken), ‘docile’ (easily taught or led), and ‘fertile’ (capable of producing abundantly).
Example Sentences
A fragile vase is easily broken, so extra care is needed when handling it.
Docile puppies often adapt well to training, responding calmly and obediently to commands.
Farmers value fertile soil, as it supports abundant crop growth year after year.
Some chemicals are highly volatile, requiring special storage conditions to prevent rapid evaporation or hazardous reactions.
People often consider adolescence a turbulent but vital stage, reflecting a juvenile phase of growth and change.
Her servile mannerisms, always eager to comply with others’ demands, stood out in group settings.
Despite appearing delicate, seashells are crucial protective homes for marine organisms, proving that fragility doesn’t always mean weakness.
Many domesticated animals are docile by nature, making them suitable companions in household environments.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates capability, quality, or tendency in adjectives.This suffix attaches to Latin-based roots to form adjectives describing a particular quality or capacity. Examples include words like “fragile” (easily broken), “fertile” (able to produce abundantly), and “ductile” (capable of being drawn out). In academic or technical writing, the suffix signals an inherent property, whether physical (as in “volatile”) or metaphorical (as in “hostile”). Typically, you don’t coin new words using “-ile” in everyday speech, but understanding its meaning helps you interpret adjectives that convey potential, tendency, or capacity. When encountering such words, look for the root to get a sense of the main idea, then see “-ile” as highlighting the ability or tendency embedded in that root.
Alternatives
Other English suffixes that convey capability or tendency include “-able” and “-ible.” These often serve a similar function, expressing that a noun or action can do something or have a certain quality. While “-ile” is more specialized and classical (from Latin), “-able” and “-ible” are more common in everyday usage. You might also encounter forms like “-ory” or “-ous,” though these often emphasize a state or characteristic rather than pure capability. Selecting among these options depends on the nuance you’d like to convey.
Writing
When incorporating words with “-ile,” be aware that they often sound more formal or technical. They can lend precision and a classical tone to descriptions, particularly in scientific or scholarly texts. For instance, describing metal as “ductile” is more precise than simply calling it “bendable.” If you want to maintain clarity for a broader audience, consider including a brief explanation or choose a more common term, depending on your goals. Make sure the root of the word is well understood by your readers, as that root conveys the central idea, with “-ile” highlighting the specific quality or tendency.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, you’ll most often hear this suffix in words like “fragile,” “hostile,” or “juvenile.” While you won’t usually invent new terms using “-ile” in casual chats, recognizing its meaning can help you interpret or explain these adjectives effortlessly. If someone mentions something is “fragile,” you immediately know it’s easily broken. Similarly, if a situation or person is labeled “hostile,” you understand it’s unfriendly or antagonistic. Understanding these nuances enriches your vocabulary and adds depth to informal exchanges.
Etymology
Drawn from the Latin suffix “-ilis,” which indicates capability or tendency, “-ile” came into English largely through French borrowings. Over time, it has adhered to numerous Latin root words, forming adjectives that convey the idea of being able to do something or possessing a certain innate quality. This classic suffix has remained steady in scientific, technical, and everyday words, linking modern English back to its Latin heritage.
