Dictionary

-ety en · X · etymology 1

Etymology

In some uses, apparently an alteration of -edy, as seen in jaggedy, raggedy, scaredy, etc.; equivalent to -ed + -y. The alteration of -d- to -t- is perhaps due to Scottish influence, where it is common for the past participle of Scots verbs to end in -et/-it rather than -ed as in English. In other usage, perhaps imitative of repeated action, equivalent to -et + -y. In any case, it is used almost exclusively in sound-symbolic or expressive words.

Meanings

1. (morpheme) Added to monosyllabic words, typically verbs or nouns, to form adjectives characteristic of the verb or noun. ▸ Often with frequentative force.
   • hip-hop + -ety → hippety-hoppety
   • jig + -ety → jiggety
   • yack + -ety → yackety-yak
2. (morpheme) Added to monosyllabic words, typically verbs or nouns, to form adjectives characteristic of the verb or noun. ▸ Also seen in other fanciful compounds.
   • lick + -ety → lickety, lickety-split
   • dig + -ety → diggety, hot diggety dog

Forms

-ety en · X · etymology 2

Etymology

Cognate of -ity, ultimately from Latin -(i)tās. See more at -ity.

Meanings

1. (morpheme) Used to indicate qualities or states.
   • contrary + -ety → contrariety

Forms

Relateds

-ity · -ty