-ity

1. a suffix used to form abstract nouns expressing state, condition, or quality: jollity; civility; Latinity; variability.

-ity

suffix

1. indicating state or condition

   technicality

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ity¹

Variant of -itie, Middle English -ite < Old French < Latin -itāt- (stem of -itās ); in many words representing Latin -itās directly

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ity¹

from Old French -ite, from Latin -itās

Example Sentences

“I put the ‘-ity’ in ‘idiot,’ maybe,” Wallen responded.

From Los Angeles Times

It is difficult to find the appropriate words to describe Franco Harris’ impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers, his teammates, the ity of Pittsburgh and Steelers Nation.

From Washington Times

Only difficult definitions are appended: in the case of words not defined, pupils may be required to form the definition by reference to the signification of the radicals and the formative elements, thus, acr + id = acrid, being bitter, acr + id + ity = state of being bitter, bitterness.

From Literature

Combine and define in + active; active + ity; in + active + ity.—What is the negative of "active"? Ans.

From Literature

Combine and define agile + ity.—What is the distinction between "active" and "agile"? Ans.

From Literature