The suffix “-some” forms adjectives and, less commonly, adverbs. Attached to nouns, it signifies a quality associated with that noun, often implying a considerable amount or a notable tendency. For example, “troublesome” describes something that causes trouble and “burdensome” describes something that imposes a burden. When attached to a verb, it typically indicates an inclination or propensity towards that action, as in “lonesome,” suggesting a tendency toward loneliness.
This suffix contributes significantly to the richness and nuance of the English language, enabling the expression of subtle gradations of meaning. It allows writers to convey not just the presence of a quality, but also its degree or potential. Understanding the etymology, derived from Old English “-sum,” meaning “characterized by,” offers insight into the enduring nature and evolving usage of these constructions across centuries of literary and spoken English.
