-ful

English

Etymology

From full

Suffix

-ful

1. Used to form adjectives from nouns. An adjective derived by this suffix implies a thorough and certain possession of the quality of that noun, not a metaphorical fullness with it by degree or quantity. What is beautiful may be full of beauties, but is first fully beautiful; one who is wakeful is fully awake, not frequently waking; what is changeful is uncertain, not transformed; what is harmful may do a single and a mild injury.
2. Used to form nouns from nouns meaning “as much as can be held by what is denoted by the noun”

   bowlful

   handful

Antonyms

• -less

Derived terms

having the quality of the noun

beautiful careful doubtful fearful grateful harmful painful plentiful scornful useful wonderful

as much as can be held by what is denoted by the noun

bowlful handful

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Old English

Suffix

-ful

1. full of