What is a suffix?

A suffix is defined as an affix that is added to the end of a word to modify its meaning or change its grammatical function. When a suffix is attached to a root word, it can result in a new word entirely, often altering its part of speech (for example, turning a noun into an adjective). This transformation can indicate various nuances such as tense, number, degree, or that the word belongs to a different grammatical category.

For instance, adding the suffix "-ing" to the verb "run" changes it to "running," which shifts the tense and usage in a sentence. Similarly, adding "-ness" to an adjective like "happy" forms the noun "happiness." This illustrates how suffixes play a crucial role in expanding vocabulary and enhancing language expression.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts. An affix attached to the beginning of a word describes a prefix; characters within a story relate to elements of narrative; and a procedure for summarizing text refers to a reading strategy or skill rather than a linguistic component.