-itious
suffix
UK/ɪˈtɪʃ.əs/ or /ɪˈtɪʃ.əs/US/ɪˈtɪʃ.əs/ or /ɪˈtɪʃ.əs/
Used to form adjectives indicating a quality, tendency, or characteristic, often implying ‘full of’ or ‘inclined toward.’ Derived from Latin endings like ‘-icius’ or ‘-itiosus.’ Common examples include ‘ambitious’ (full of ambition), ‘fictitious’ (imagined or not real), and ‘nutritious’ (providing nourishment).
Example Sentences
His ambitious plan to expand the startup impressed investors, signaling a drive to succeed against all odds.
That bedtime story about a giant flying whale was clearly fictitious, yet it fired the children’s imaginations.
For a balanced diet, it’s crucial to consume nutritious foods, such as leafy greens and whole grains.
The use of suspicious documents turned out to be surreptitious, raising ethical concerns among company executives.
Pernicious rumors spread through social media can damage reputations before the truth even emerges.
People’s superstitious habits, like knocking on wood or avoiding stepping on cracks, often arise from folklore and cultural traditions.
Although the email looked genuine, it was actually malicious, containing dangerous attachments designed to infiltrate the recipient’s computer.
Product labels highlighting that the snack is ‘highly nutritious’ may attract consumers, but buyers are encouraged to verify the ingredient list and nutritional claims.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Suffix meaning characterized by or having the qualities of.The suffix '-itious' is used to form adjectives that describe something characterized by a certain quality or tendency. For example, 'ambitious' refers to someone characterized by ambition, and 'nutritious' refers to food that is nourishing or contains nutrients. It conveys that the subject possesses or exhibits the characteristic or quality of the root word.
Alternatives
Alternatives include phrases like 'full of' or 'having the quality of,' such as 'full of ambition' instead of 'ambitious.' These are more explicit but less concise.
Writing
In writing, '-itious' adds precision and specificity when describing characteristics. For example, 'suspicious' effectively conveys a tendency toward suspicion. Use it to form adjectives that describe traits, tendencies, or qualities in both formal and informal contexts.
Casual Conversation
In casual language, '-itious' terms like 'ambitious,' 'nutritious,' and 'perilous' are commonly used and easily understood. They help to convey qualities or characteristics in everyday communication.