-ity
suffix
UK/ˈɪt.i/ or /ˈaɪt.i/US/ˈɪt.i/ or /ˈaɪt.i/
Used to form abstract nouns expressing a state, condition, or quality, typically from adjectives or participles (from Latin ‘-itas’). Examples include ‘ability’ (the state of being able), ‘reality’ (the state of being real), ‘clarity’ (the quality of being clear), and ‘complexity’ (the condition of being complex).
Example Sentences
Having the ability to solve complex problems often correlates with success in technical fields.
The reality of climate change spurred a global effort to cut emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Maintaining clarity in one’s writing is essential for effective communication and knowledge sharing.
As the complexity of modern software grows, developers rely on robust architecture and testing to ensure reliability.
His humility stood out, even as he received accolades and promotion offers from major industry players.
In everyday life, practicality sometimes outweighs creativity, although striking a balance can yield innovative solutions.
Many readers appreciated the sincerity of her memoir, relating to her honest recounting of personal struggles and triumphs.
Studying the elasticity of materials allows engineers to predict how they’ll perform under stress and strain, guiding the design of safer structures.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Forms abstract nouns denoting a quality, state, or condition.Use '-ity' to transform adjectives (and sometimes other parts of speech) into nouns that represent an abstract idea or characteristic. For example, 'dense' becomes 'density' (the state or quality of being dense) and 'real' becomes 'reality' (the state of being real). This suffix typically appears with roots derived from Latin or French, though it’s now well integrated into English. In both spoken and written contexts, '-ity' words give you a concise way to name qualities—think 'flexibility,' 'clarity,' or 'serendipity.' When forming or using '-ity' words, check the correct spelling in a dictionary, as the addition of '-ity' can involve slight shifts in the root word (e.g., dropping or altering letters). This suffix is a staple in both formal and casual English and efficiently expresses conceptual notions without overburdening your text. Use '-ity' adjectives judiciously to enhance clarity and precision, especially when explaining abstract concepts or states of being.
Alternatives
In some cases, you might use '-ness' (e.g., 'kindness' instead of 'kindity') or '-ance'/'-ence' (e.g., 'resistance,' 'existence'), which also create nouns but can shift the nuance. '-ness' often emphasizes a broader sense of the underlying adjective, while '-ance'/'-ence' can lean more formal or classical. Another alternative might be '-ship' (e.g., 'friendship'), though that tends to highlight a relationship or condition between entities. The best choice depends on the root word, established usage, and the feel you want your writing to have. When you encounter a new form, it’s often best to verify through a reliable dictionary to ensure correctness, since some forms are standard while others may not be recognized.
Writing
When writing formally, '-ity' nouns can convey precise, succinct definitions of a concept’s essence. You might discuss the 'probability' of an event or the 'complexity' of an idea. These terms help maintain a clear, specific tone, especially in academic, scientific, or professional works. However, try not to saturate your prose with too many '-ity' words in close succession, as that can make text feel dense or abstract. Pair them with illustrative examples or data to ground your points. In more creative or narrative writing, sprinkled '-ity' words can add intellectual flair or thematic emphasis, but always consider the audience and context. Overusing '-ity' may feel stiff; aim for a balance of concrete language and conceptual language.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, '-ity' words pop up naturally, like 'community,' 'electricity,' or 'responsibility.' They fit nicely when you want to refer to concepts without explaining them in full. Saying 'We need more flexibility in our schedule' is more concise than spelling out 'We need to be more flexible in our scheduling options.' That said, overly formal '-ity' words might feel out of place if you’re just chatting with friends about daily life. Strike a comfortable tone by mixing them with more direct language. Remember, '-ity' can quickly make a conversation sound abstract, so use it thoughtfully based on who you’re talking to and what you want to convey.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin suffix '-itas,' '-ity' entered English primarily through Old French influences. It has longstanding roots in forming nouns that denote a state, quality, or condition, a practice stretching back to Latin’s role in medieval scholasticism. Over centuries, the suffix became a mainstay in English, allowing for a wide range of conceptual vocabulary. Despite its Latin origins, '-ity' has blended seamlessly into modern English, now attaching to both classic and newly coined adjectives to yield abstract nouns. This historical influence underscores how Latin-based patterns continue to shape English word-formation even today.
