-or

English

Suffix

-or

1. Suffix appended to words to create an agent noun, indicating a person who does something.

English generally appends this suffix where Latin would do it--to the root of a Latin-type perfect passive participle. For other words, English tends to use the suffix -er. Occasionally both are used (computer vs. computor).

Related Terms

• -ress (feminine form)

Latin

Suffix

-or, -oris

Third declension

1. Suffix appended generally to the root of a perfect passive participle to create an agent noun indicating a person who does something. The -or suffix is masculine; the feminine form is -ix.

Example:

Verb	amare
Pefect passive participle	amatus
Agent noun (masculine)	amator
Agent noun (feminine)	amatrix

1. Suffix appended to a verb to produce an abstract noun. This form is feminine.

Example:

Verb	amare	timere
Abstract noun	amor	timor

Related Terms

• -rix

Categories: English suffixes

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08-19-2006 13:26:44