Some adjectives are formed by adding prefixes or suffixes to other adjectives. These new words help us give more specific meanings. For example, “happy” becomes “unhappy,” and “correct” becomes “incorrect.” By changing the form, we can show opposite meaning, degree, or quality. In this blog post, you will learn how to form, identify, and use adjectives formed from other adjectives in English. Understanding these word patterns will help you expand your vocabulary and build more accurate sentences in speaking and writing.
What Are Adjectives Formed from Other Adjectives?
Adjectives formed from other adjectives are words that come from another adjective by adding prefixes or suffixes.
They help to change the meaning or show intensity of the original adjective.
Example:
- Happy → Unhappy (adding prefix “un-” changes meaning)
- Kind → Kindest (adding suffix “-est” shows degree)
How to form Adjectives from other Adjectives?
Adjectives can be formed from other adjectives in two main ways:
| Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| By adding Prefixes | Prefix is added before the adjective to change its meaning | Polite → Impolite |
| By adding Suffixes | Suffix is added after the adjective to show comparison or style | Small → Smaller |
Prefixes Used with Adjectives
These prefixes change the meaning of adjectives:
| Prefix | Meaning | Example | New Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| un- | not | Unhappy | not happy |
| in- | opposite | Inaccurate | not accurate |
| im- | opposite | Impossible | not possible |
| il- | opposite | Illegal | not legal |
| ir- | opposite | Irregular | not regular |
| less- | without | Careless | without care |
Suffixes Used with Adjectives
Suffixes often show comparison, style, or relation.
| Suffix | Function | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| -er | shows more than | Smaller | more small |
| -est | shows the most | Tallest | most tall |
| -ish | shows a little like | Greenish | a bit green |
| -like | shows similarity | Childlike | like a child |
| -ful | shows having something | Beautiful | full of beauty |
| -less | shows without something | Hopeless | without hope |
Examples of Adjectives Formed from Other Adjectives
| No. | Base Adjective | Formed Adjective | Method Used | Meaning / Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kind | Unkind | Prefix (un-) | not kind |
| 2 | Happy | Unhappy | Prefix (un-) | not happy |
| 3 | Fair | Unfair | Prefix (un-) | not fair |
| 4 | Possible | Impossible | Prefix (im-) | not possible |
| 5 | Regular | Irregular | Prefix (ir-) | not regular |
| 6 | Legal | Illegal | Prefix (il-) | not legal |
| 7 | Polite | Impolite | Prefix (im-) | not polite |
| 8 | Lucky | Unlucky | Prefix (un-) | not lucky |
| 9 | Usual | Unusual | Prefix (un-) | not normal |
| 10 | Pure | Impure | Prefix (im-) | not pure |
| 11 | Honest | Dishonest | Prefix (dis-) | not honest |
| 12 | Perfect | Imperfect | Prefix (im-) | not perfect |
| 13 | Mature | Immature | Prefix (im-) | not mature |
| 14 | Safe | Unsafe | Prefix (un-) | not safe |
| 15 | Clear | Unclear | Prefix (un-) | not clear |
| 16 | Direct | Indirect | Prefix (in-) | not direct |
| 17 | Correct | Incorrect | Prefix (in-) | not correct |
| 18 | Equal | Unequal | Prefix (un-) | not equal |
| 19 | Comfortable | Uncomfortable | Prefix (un-) | not comfortable |
| 20 | Certain | Uncertain | Prefix (un-) | not sure |
| 21 | Active | Inactive | Prefix (in-) | not active |
| 22 | Grateful | Ungrateful | Prefix (un-) | not thankful |
| 23 | Friendly | Unfriendly | Prefix (un-) | not friendly |
| 24 | Reliable | Unreliable | Prefix (un-) | not reliable |
| 25 | Useful | Useless | Suffix (-less) | without use |
| 26 | Hopeful | Hopeless | Suffix (-less) | without hope |
| 27 | Careful | Careless | Suffix (-less) | without care |
| 28 | Colourful | Colourless | Suffix (-less) | without colour |
| 29 | Powerful | Powerless | Suffix (-less) | without power |
| 30 | Painful | Painless | Suffix (-less) | without pain |
| 31 | Thoughtful | Thoughtless | Suffix (-less) | without thought |
| 32 | Meaningful | Meaningless | Suffix (-less) | without meaning |
| 33 | Cheerful | Cheerless | Suffix (-less) | without cheer |
| 34 | Fearful | Fearless | Suffix (-less) | without fear |
| 35 | Tall | Taller | Suffix (-er) | more tall |
| 36 | Small | Smaller | Suffix (-er) | more small |
| 37 | High | Higher | Suffix (-er) | more high |
| 38 | Fast | Faster | Suffix (-er) | more fast |
| 39 | Cold | Colder | Suffix (-er) | more cold |
| 40 | Bright | Brighter | Suffix (-er) | more bright |
| 41 | Dark | Darkest | Suffix (-est) | most dark |
| 42 | Large | Largest | Suffix (-est) | most large |
| 43 | Nice | Nicest | Suffix (-est) | most nice |
| 44 | Blue | Bluish | Suffix (-ish) | slightly blue |
| 45 | Green | Greenish | Suffix (-ish) | a bit green |
Usage in Different Contexts
Adjectives formed from other adjectives are used in different contexts such as:
Comparison of Quality
- High → Higher → Highest
- Cold → Colder → Coldest
Showing Negative or Opposite Meaning
- Lucky → Unlucky
- Possible → Impossible
Describing Slight Degree or Resemblance
- Blue → Bluish
- Child → Childlike
Points to Remember
- Prefixes like un-, in-, im-, ir- make adjectives negative.
- Suffixes like -er, -est show degrees of comparison.
- Suffixes like -ful, -less, -ish add new meanings.
- These forms make English richer and more expressive.
Adjectives formed from other adjectives are an easy and useful part of English grammar. They help to show opposites, degrees, and qualities clearly.
By learning a few common prefixes and suffixes, you can easily create new adjectives and make your English sound more natural and expressive.
FAQs
What are adjectives formed from other adjectives?
Adjectives formed from other adjectives are words made by adding a prefix or suffix to an existing adjective.
Example: Kind → Unkind, Tall → Taller.
How do you form adjectives from other adjectives?
You can form new adjectives by adding prefixes (like un-, in-, im-) or suffixes (like -er, -est, -ish, -less) to another adjective.
Example: Happy → Unhappy, Cold → Colder.
What is an example of an adjective made from another adjective?
An example is “Unkind”, which comes from the adjective “Kind” by adding the prefix “un-” to show the opposite meaning.
What prefixes are used to make new adjectives?
Common prefixes used are un-, in-, im-, il-, ir-, and dis-. These usually create opposite meanings.
Example: Possible → Impossible, Legal → Illegal.
What suffixes can change one adjective into another?
Suffixes like -er, -est, -ish, -ful, -less, -like are used to form new adjectives or show degree and quality.
Example: Sweet → Sweeter, Hope → Hopeful → Hopeless.
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