Words Ending With The Suffix Ment

Words Ending with the Suffix -ment: A Comprehensive Guide

The English language is rich with suffixes that add nuanced meaning to words. One such suffix is "-ment," which transforms verbs into nouns, often indicating a result, product, or means of an action. This suffix is incredibly versatile and appears in countless words we use daily. Understanding the function and usage of "-ment" can significantly enhance your vocabulary and comprehension of the English language. In this article, we'll delve into the depths of words ending with "-ment," exploring their origins, meanings, and providing numerous examples to solidify your understanding.

Introduction to the Suffix -ment

The suffix "-ment" originates from the Latin word "mentum," which denotes a means or result. When added to a verb, "-ment" typically creates a noun that signifies:

• The result or product of an action: For example, "payment" is the result of the act of paying.
• The means of an action: An "instrument" is a means by which something is done.
• A state or condition: "Contentment" refers to a state of being content.
• A place: "Apartment" refers to a place for living.

This suffix is incredibly productive in English, meaning it can be added to many verbs to create new nouns. It’s commonly used to form nouns from verbs of Latin or French origin, but it can also be applied to native English verbs. Let's explore various categories of words ending in "-ment" to illustrate its diverse applications.

Categories of Words Ending in -ment

To better understand how "-ment" functions, let's categorize words based on the meaning they convey:

1. Words Denoting Results or Products

Many words ending in "-ment" signify the outcome or product of a specific action. These words are tangible or intangible results directly related to the verb they're derived from.

• Payment: The act of paying or the amount paid. (From the verb "pay")
  • Example: "The payment for the car was due last week."
• Shipment: The act of shipping goods or the goods being shipped. (From the verb "ship")
  • Example: "The shipment of electronics arrived on time."
• Judgment: The act of judging or the decision made. (From the verb "judge")
  • Example: "The judge delivered a fair judgment."
• Settlement: The act of settling or an agreement reached. (From the verb "settle")
  • Example: "The settlement resolved the dispute between the parties."
• Treatment: The act of treating or the manner in which someone is treated. (From the verb "treat")
  • Example: "The patient received excellent medical treatment."
• Retirement: The act of retiring or the state of being retired. (From the verb "retire")
  • Example: "After 40 years of service, he looked forward to his retirement."
• Improvement: The act of improving or the state of being improved. (From the verb "improve")
  • Example: "There has been a significant improvement in her health."
• Development: The act of developing or the state of being developed. (From the verb "develop")
  • Example: "The development of the new software took several months."
• Argument: The act of arguing or a reason given. (From the verb "argue")
  • Example: "They had a heated argument about politics."

2. Words Denoting Means or Instruments

Another significant category includes words that indicate the means or instruments by which an action is performed.

• Instrument: A tool or device used to perform a task. (From the Latin instrumentum)
  • Example: "A stethoscope is a vital instrument for doctors."
• Ornament: An object used for decoration. (From the Latin ornamentum)
  • Example: "The Christmas tree was covered in beautiful ornaments."
• Implement: A tool or instrument used to carry out a task. (From the verb "implement")
  • Example: "Farmers use various implements to cultivate the land."
• Element: A component or part of a whole, often fundamental. (From the Latin elementum)
  • Example: "Oxygen is an essential element for human survival."

3. Words Denoting States or Conditions

Some "-ment" words describe a state of being or a condition. These often reflect an emotional or mental state.

• Contentment: The state of being satisfied or content. (From the verb "content")
  • Example: "She found contentment in her simple life."
• Excitement: The state of being excited. (From the verb "excite")
  • Example: "The children were filled with excitement on Christmas morning."
• Disappointment: The state of being disappointed. (From the verb "disappoint")
  • Example: "His failure to win the race brought great disappointment."
• Amazement: The state of being amazed. (From the verb "amaze")
  • Example: "We watched in amazement as the magician performed his tricks."
• Enjoyment: The state of enjoying something. (From the verb "enjoy")
  • Example: "The audience expressed great enjoyment of the concert."
• Movement: The act, process, or result of moving. (From the verb "move")
  • Example: "The movement of the dancers was graceful and fluid."
• Commitment: The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc. (From the verb "commit")
  • Example: "Her commitment to environmental conservation is unwavering."

4. Words Denoting Places or Locations

Though less common, some "-ment" words refer to a place or location.

• Apartment: A set of rooms within a larger building, used as a dwelling. (From the Italian appartamento)
  • Example: "They live in a small apartment in the city center."
• Compartment: A separate division or section. (From the verb "compartmentalize")
  • Example: "The train had several compartments for passengers."

5. Words with Abstract Meanings

Certain "-ment" words have evolved to carry more abstract or conceptual meanings.

• Government: The system by which a state or community is governed. (From the verb "govern")
  • Example: "The government is responsible for ensuring public safety."
• Department: A division of a large organization, such as a government or business. (From the French département)
  • Example: "She works in the marketing department of the company."
• Requirement: A thing that is needed or essential. (From the verb "require")
  • Example: "Meeting the minimum requirements is essential for graduation."
• Environment: The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. (From the French environnement)
  • Example: "Protecting the environment is crucial for future generations."
• Moment: A very brief period of time. (From the Latin momentum)
  • Example: "She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts."

Formation of -ment Words: A Closer Look

The creation of "-ment" words typically involves adding the suffix to a verb's base form. However, there are some variations and patterns to be aware of:

1. Direct Addition: In many cases, "-ment" is added directly to the verb without any changes.

   • Agree + -ment = Agreement
   • Assign + -ment = Assignment
   • Commit + -ment = Commitment
   • Equip + -ment = Equipment
   • Pave + -ment = Pavement

2. Slight Modifications: Sometimes, minor changes occur to the verb's spelling before adding "-ment." This often involves dropping a silent "e" or adjusting the ending.

   • Acknowledge + -ment = Acknowledgment (or Acknowledgement)
   • Judge + -ment = Judgment (or Judgement)
   • Abridge + -ment = Abridgment
   • Allot + -ment = Allotment

3. Root Words with French or Latin Origins: Many verbs that take the "-ment" suffix have roots in French or Latin. Recognizing these origins can help in understanding the word's meaning.

   • Govern (French gouverner) + -ment = Government
   • Depart (French départir) + -ment = Department
   • Ornament (Latin ornare) + -ment = Ornament
   • Element (Latin elementum) + -ment = Element

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

While using "-ment" seems straightforward, some common mistakes can occur. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Confusing -ment with -ant/-ent: Be careful not to confuse "-ment" with suffixes like "-ant" or "-ent," which often form adjectives or nouns indicating an agent or characteristic. For example, "applicant" (a person applying) is different from "application" (the act of applying).
• Incorrect Verb Choice: Ensure the verb you're using is appropriate for forming a noun with "-ment." Not all verbs can logically or grammatically accept this suffix. For instance, "sleepment" is not a valid word because "sleep" doesn't typically denote an action that produces a result in the same way "pay" does.
• Spelling Variations: Some words have accepted spelling variations (e.g., "judgment" vs. "judgement"). Consult a dictionary to ensure you're using the correct or preferred spelling.
• Overuse: While "-ment" is versatile, avoid overuse. Sometimes, a different noun form or phrasing might be more appropriate.

Examples of -ment Words in Sentences

To further illustrate the usage of "-ment" words, here are several sentences showcasing their diverse applications:

1. The government announced new economic policies.
2. Her commitment to the project was evident in her hard work.
3. The shipment of goods was delayed due to bad weather.
4. He expressed disappointment at the team's loss.
5. The new instrument allowed the scientist to conduct more precise measurements.
6. She found contentment in her quiet, rural life.
7. The development of the city's infrastructure improved the quality of life for residents.
8. The payment for the services was due immediately.
9. The argument between the two colleagues escalated quickly.
10. They lived in a comfortable apartment near the park.
11. The requirement for the job included a master's degree.
12. Preserving the environment is a global responsibility.
13. He paused for a moment before answering the question.
14. The settlement of the lawsuit was a relief to both parties.
15. She received excellent treatment at the hospital.

The Importance of Understanding Suffixes

Understanding suffixes like "-ment" is crucial for several reasons:

• Vocabulary Expansion: Recognizing suffixes allows you to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words, expanding your vocabulary more effectively.
• Improved Reading Comprehension: Knowing how suffixes modify word meanings enhances your ability to understand complex texts.
• Enhanced Writing Skills: Using suffixes correctly improves the precision and clarity of your writing.
• Grammatical Accuracy: Understanding suffixes helps you use words in their correct grammatical context.
• Language Appreciation: Learning about word formation provides a deeper appreciation for the structure and evolution of the English language.

Conclusion

The suffix "-ment" is a powerful tool in the English language, transforming verbs into nouns that denote results, means, states, or locations. By understanding its function and recognizing common patterns, you can significantly enhance your vocabulary, improve your reading comprehension, and write with greater precision. From "payment" to "government," the words ending in "-ment" play a vital role in our everyday communication, making them an essential aspect of linguistic proficiency. So, continue to explore and appreciate the richness of the English language by mastering the art of suffixes.