ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Word parts›Suffixes›-ize

SuffixGreek

-ize

turns a noun or adjective into a verb meaning make, become, or treat in that way

Spelled -ize, -ise · -izein 'to make, do, or become'

Words built from it

• modernize — to update something to current methods or standards
  modern (current) + -ize (make)
• civilize — to bring toward an organized society or socially refined behavior
  civil (socially organized or courteous) + -ize (make)
• crystallize — to form into crystals or take definite shape
  crystal (regular solid form) + -ize (form or become)
• standardize — to make things follow a consistent model
  standard (accepted model) + -ize (make)
• fossilize — to become a fossil or become rigidly outdated
  fossil (preserved remains) + -ize (become)

Looks like it, but is not

• prize — from Old French prise 'a taking or capture,' not the -ize suffix

Drill this word part in the app

More suffixes

• -ity — turns an adjective or root into a noun naming a state or quality
• -ive — turns a verb or root into an adjective meaning tending to, able to, or serving to do it
• -less — turns a noun into an adjective meaning without or lacking it
• -ment — turns a verb into a noun naming the action, result, or means
• -ness — turns an adjective into a noun naming its state, condition, or quality