What this suffix does
-fy/-ify turns a noun or adjective into a verb, "to make X": simplify, purify, justify, magnify. The matching noun almost always ends in -ification: simplify → simplification.
ESEN
Suffix · forms verbs
-fy / -ify
From Latin "-ficare" (to make): turns nouns or adjectives into verbs meaning to make X or to become X. Magnify, rectify, petrify, glorify, vilify, mortify.
In Spanish: -ficar / -ificarIntermediate
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
How it is formed
Latin root (noun or adjective) + ify or + fy. Always produces a verb.
- adjective + ify (to make X)pure = purifysimple = simplifysolid = solidifyintense = intensify
- Latin root + ify (to produce the effect of)magnus = magnifyrectus = rectifypetra = petrifygloria = glorifymors = mortify
- noun or concept + ify (to turn into)person = personifyclass = classifyjust = justifynull = nullifyvil = vilify
Nouns of -ify verbs end in -ification: purify = purification, rectify = rectification, magnify = magnification, justify = justification. Extremely useful for academic vocabulary.
How it is pronounced
-fy / -ify/faɪ/ · rhymes with fly
Tap the button to hear how the ending sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Base word
With -fy / -ify
In a phrase
- magnus (great)magnifyThe lens can magnify an object up to ten times.
- rectus (straight)rectifyWe need to rectify this mistake before it's too late.
- petra (stone)petrifyThe thought of public speaking used to petrify her.
- gloriaglorifyThe movie doesn't glorify violence, it shows the consequences.
- mors (death)mortifyIt would mortify me to trip in front of everyone.
- purepurifyThis machine purifies the water before you drink it.
- simplesimplifyLet's simplify the instructions so anyone can follow them.
- justjustifyHe tried to justify being late by blaming the traffic.
- vil (vile)vilifyThe press tends to vilify anyone who disagrees with them.
- personpersonifyShe personifies patience, nothing ever seems to bother her.
Common mistakes
I was petrified = I turned to stone
I was petrified = I was paralysed with fear
In modern English petrified almost always means terrified, paralysed with fear. The literal geological meaning is very rare in everyday use.
I was mortified = I suffered physically
I was mortified = I was utterly embarrassed/ashamed
mortified in modern English = deeply embarrassed. The original religious sense is very unusual today.
the noun of rectify is rectifiction
the noun of rectify is rectification
All -ify verbs form nouns in -ification: rectify = rectification, purify = purification, justify = justification.
A trick to remember it
"-fy"/"-ify" = "to make", the verb of transformation: simpli-FY, pur-IFY. The matching noun always follows the same pattern: -ification (simplification, purification).
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
She was petrified means...
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
What is the noun form of justify?
Frequently asked questions
What does the suffix -fy / -ify mean in English?
The suffix -fy / -ify from Latin "-ficare" (to make): turns nouns or adjectives into verbs meaning to make X or to become X. Magnify, rectify, petrify, glorify, vilify, mortify. In Spanish it usually maps to -ficar / -ificar.
How do you pronounce -fy / -ify?
The ending -fy / -ify is pronounced /faɪ/ · rhymes with fly. For example, "magnify".
Can you give an example of a word with -fy / -ify?
"magnus (great)" becomes "magnify". It is a typical example of the -fy / -ify suffix.
Other useful suffixes
-en (verb)
From Old English "-nian": turns adjectives into causative verbs meaning to make more X or to become X. Darken, enlighten, deepen, strengthen, heighten.
-ery / -ry
From Old French "-erie": forms nouns of activity, place, collective quality or state. Chivalry, trickery, wizardry, bravery, mockery.
-itude
From Latin "-itudo": forms abstract nouns of state or quality. Solitude, gratitude, magnitude, fortitude.
Learn every English suffix
-tion, -ness, -ful, -ly, -able... every ending you need to understand thousands of words at once.