What defines a suffix in the context of language?

A suffix is defined as an affix added at the end of a word. In the study of morphology, which is the branch of linguistics that deals with the structure of words, suffixes serve an important role in changing the meaning of a word or indicating its grammatical function. For instance, adding the suffix "-ing" to the verb "run" transforms it into "running," which changes the word from its base form to a present participle. This demonstrates how suffixes can alter the tense or form of a word.

Suffixes can also signify various grammatical aspects such as tense, plurals, or parts of speech, enriching the language and providing it with more nuanced expressions. Understanding suffixes is essential in elementary education because it aids students in expanding their vocabulary, improving spelling, and enhancing their reading comprehension skills.