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-sy. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
-sy, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
-sy in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
-sy you have here. The definition of the word
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-sy, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
Perhaps originally two distinct suffixes, one diminutive and the other adjectival; sources of both are uncertain.[1] If so, then equivalent to -s + -y.
Suffix
-sy
- Suffix forming nouns or adjectives, sometimes diminutive and usually informal or jocular.
- (nouns): Betsy; footsy; mumsy; Patsy; popsy; tootsy
- (adjectives): artsy (or art + -s + -y);[2] cutesy; limpsy; mumsy; pudsy; teensy (from tiny)
Usage notes
Some state that the combination of -s and -y in certain words should perhaps be considered further instances of this suffix.[1]
- antsy; gutsy
Derived terms
References
Anagrams