-ance/-ence

Turns a verb or adjective into a noun naming a state, quality, or act.

Spelled -ance, -ence, -ancy, -ency · Latin -antia and -entia, endings forming abstract nouns from participles

Latin noun endings named states: indigence means being needy, reluctance means holding back, and acquiescence means giving quiet agreement.

Words built from it

indigence — Poverty severe enough to lack basic necessities.
Latin indigere (need) → indigens (needy) → indigentia → French indigence → English indigence
acquiescence — Quiet acceptance without protest.
Latin acquiescere (rest in; accept quietly) → acquiescent- (accepting quietly) + -ence → acquiescence
reluctance — Unwillingness or hesitation.
Latin reluctari (struggle against) → reluctant- (resisting) + -ance → reluctance
exuberance — Abundant energy, enthusiasm, or growth.
Latin exuberare (be abundant) → exuberans (overflowing) → exuberantia → exuberance
diligence — Steady, careful effort.
Latin diligere (value; take care over) → diligens (attentive) → diligentia → French diligence → English diligence
defiance — Open resistance to an order or authority.
Old French defier (challenge; defy) + -ance → defiance → English defiance
vacancy — An empty space or an unfilled position.
Latin vacare (be empty) → vacans (empty) → Medieval Latin vacantia → vacancy
urgency — The need for immediate attention or action.
Latin urgere (press) → urgent- (pressing) → English urgent + -ency → urgency

romance — From Old French romanz, referring to the vernacular language, ultimately Latin romanice, meaning in the Roman manner; it does not contain the noun suffix -ance.

-able/-ible — turns a verb into an adjective meaning capable of, fit to be, or worthy of the action
-al — turns a noun or root into an adjective meaning related to or characterized by it
-ary/-ory — Makes adjectives meaning relating to, or nouns for associated people, things, or places.
-ate — Makes verbs meaning to make or perform, or adjectives and nouns describing a state or role.
-cide — forms words naming an act of killing or the person or substance that kills