-tious

a suffix originally occurring in adjectives borrowed from Latin ( fictitious ); on this model, used with stems of other origin ( bumptious ).

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Origin of -tious¹

< Latin -tiōsus, equivalent to -t ( us ) past participle suffix + -iōsus -ious

Expedi′tionary; Expedi′tious, characterised by expedition or rapidity: speedy: prompt.

Infec′tious, Infect′ive, having the quality of infecting: corrupting: apt to spread.

Cement′atory, Cementi′tious, having the quality of cementing or uniting firmly.

Detract′ive, Detrac′tious, Detract′ory, tending to detract: derogatory.

"I wish I knew how to be sen-ten-tious," said Barbara, obliviously.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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