SVUSD – Grade 6
Lesson 20
Adding Suffixes: -ition, -ation
Generalization:
A suffix is a meaningful group of letters that can be added at the end of a base or root
word to form (derive) a new word with a different but related meaning. The addition of a
derivational suffix changes the part of speech of the original word. Spelling,
syllabication, and derivational generalizations are used when adding suffixes to root and
base words.
-ition, -ation = state of, condition of
ending in se
drop the e
add -ition
ending in ne/re/ve
drop the e
add -ation
exceptions:
composition
opposition
exposition
disposition
decomposition
exploration
combination
admiration
inspiration
declaration
determination
examination
starvation
perspiration
adoration
repulsion
convulsion
definition