We have learnt that when some letters are added before a word a new word is formed. Similarly, when some letters are added after a word a new word is also formed. Letters added before words are called a prefix and letters added after words are called a suffix. The new word formed by adding the prefix or the suffix will have a new meaning derived from, and relating to, the original word.
The list of suffixes that can be added is fairly long. Each of the suffixes has a meaning and that meaning is transferred to the new word with the support of the root word. Here are some example:
NESS is added to LIGHT to form LIGHTNESS. NESS is the suffix which means 'state of being' and hence LIGHTNESS means a state of being light.