Suffixes -ful and -less

A suffix is a word part added to the end of a word. Two useful suffixes are opposites. The suffix -ful means 'full of': 'helpful' means full of help, and 'joyful' means full of joy.

The suffix -less means 'without': 'helpless' means without help, and 'fearless' means without fear. Notice that -ful has only one l. Read: 'The careful painter used a spotless brush. ' Careful means full of care. Spotless means without spots.

Find the base word, then add 'full of' or 'without'.

• 1A suffix is added to the end of a word.
• 2-ful means 'full of'.
• 3-less means 'without'.