RETEACH

Name: Date:

LATIN SUFFIX -OUS

The Latin suffix -ous changes a base word, usually a noun, into an adjective. It
means “full of” or “having the quality of.” For instance, the noun malice means
“the intention or desire to do harm or evil.” Malicious means “full of the intention
or desire to do harm or evil.”
A. DIRECTIONS: In each of the following items, think about the meaning of the
italicized word. Then, answer the question.
1. For her 10K race tomorrow, Lucy has just purchased brand new shoes. Do you
think that it is disadvantageous for Lucy to race with shoes that she has not
broken in? Explain.

2. Would you describe a beautiful, musical speaking voice as monotonous?

Explain.

3. True or false: A rapturous welcome might involve loud applause, warm hugs,
and enthusiastic handshakes. Explain.

4. Ants work very hard doing the many different chores of an ant farm. Could the
ants be described as industrious? Explain.

5. Is consuming nothing but bacon and eggs a nutritious diet? Why or why not?

B. DIRECTIONS: Select the correct word from the box on the right to complete each
sentence.
1. Mick was soothed by the music coming from
upstairs. suspicious
2. Drinking too much carbonated soda can cause hazardous
distress. gaseous
harmonious
3. Driving at night with a broken headlight can be .
4. Annie trusts few people and is especially of strangers.

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 1

 PRACTICE

Name: Date:

LATIN SUFFIX -OUS

A. DIRECTIONS: Select the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. I was not feeling very (acrimonious/adventurous), so I stayed at home and read
my new book while the others went and explored the junkyard.
2. John purchased a bloody werewolf mask that looked quite
(valorous/villainous).
3. Lane is a (capricious/courageous) young man; you never know what mood he
will display from one minute to the next.
4. The knight’s (chivalrous/perilous) behavior was deeply admired by others.

B. DIRECTIONS: Change the following nouns into adjectives using the suffix -ous.
Then, write a sentence for each.
1. grief
Sentence:
2. fame
Sentence:
3. grace
Sentence:
4. religion
Sentence:
5. prestige
Sentence:

C. DIRECTIONS: List three more words in which a noun has been turned into an
adjective with the suffix -ous, and use each word in a sentence.
1. Word:
Sentence:
2. Word:
Sentence:
3. Word:
Sentence:

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2