Dictionary

-el en · X · etymology 1

Pronunciation

• /l̩/
• /əl/

Etymology

From Middle English -el, from Old English -el, from Proto-Germanic *-ilaz.

Meanings

1. (morpheme) Suffix forming nouns, originally denoting an instrument, from verbs, usually spelt -le except after n and e.
   • runnel, shovel, dotel
2. (morpheme) Diminutive suffix in words of Germanic origin.
   • hatchel, hovel, gomerel

Forms

Synonyms

-ee · -et · mini- · -le · -cule · -y · -let · -kin · nano- · -icle · -ling · -ette · -ole · -ule · -ie · micro-

-el en · X · etymology 2

Pronunciation

• /l̩/
• /əl/

Etymology

From Middle English -el, a merger of two suffixes: * Old English -el (diminutive suffix) * Old French -el (diminutive suffix), from Latin -ellus

Meanings

1. (morpheme) Suffix, originally diminutive, in words of mostly Romance origin.
   • cupel, chapel, tunnel