-ate

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /eɪt/ (for verbs)
• IPA ^(key): /ɪt/ or IPA ^(key): /ət/ (for adjectives or nouns)

Suffix

Suffix -ate

1. Used to form verbs, meaning "make" or "act in a certain way."

   We need to activate the system. (from active + -ate)

2. Used to form adjectives, meaning "having the quality of."

   She was very affectionate. (from affection + -ate)

3. Used to form nouns, meaning "a person or thing that has a duty."

   The electorate has made their choice. (from elector + -ate)

4. Used to form nouns, meaning "a person with that job or qualification."

   They're hiring people with a doctorate degree. (from doctor + -ate)

5. (chemistry) Used to form the names of salts derived from acids ending in -ic.

   Sodium acetate is a common salt. (from acetic + -ate)