Words with -ful

  • Definition: The suffix “-ful” means “full of” or “having a lot of.”
  • Example: In the word “joyful,” “joy” + “-ful” means “full of joy.”

  • Adjectives: Words with “-ful” are mostly adjectives. They describe qualities or states.
  • Example Sentences:
    • Beautiful: The garden is beautiful with all the colorful flowers.
    • Helpful: She is always helpful when I need advice.

Here are some common adjectives ending in “-ful”:

  • Beautiful – full of beauty
  • Joyful – full of joy
  • Careful – full of care
  • Thoughtful – full of thoughts or consideration
  • Powerful – full of power
  • Grateful – full of gratitude
  • Hateful – full of hate
  • Respectful – full of respect

  • Rule: Add “-ful” to a noun to make an adjective.
    • Example: “Joy” + “-ful” = “Joyful”

  • Adding “-ful” Incorrectly: Make sure you add “-ful” only to nouns to form adjectives. For example, “joyful” (correct) vs. “joyfuls” (incorrect).
  • Using the Wrong Form: Remember that “-ful” makes adjectives, not nouns. For instance, “a lot of joy” vs. “joyful” to describe something.

  • Delightful – full of delight
  • Resourceful – full of resources or solutions
  • Peaceful – full of peace
  • Forgetful – prone to forgetting

  • Etymology: The suffix “-ful” comes from Old English “-ful,” which means “full of.”
  • Similar Suffix: Compare with “-less” (meaning “without”), like “joyless” (without joy).

let’s practice!