-ity — English Dictionary

Suffix

1. Used to form an uncountable noun from an adjective; especially, to form the noun referring to the state, property, or quality of conforming to the adjective's description.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • morpheme
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   absurd + -ity → absurdity (“the quality of being absurd or inconsistent with obvious truth, reason, or sound judgment”)

   anonym(ous) + -ity → anonymity (“the quality or state of being anonymous”)

   More examples (2)

   modern + -ity → modernity (“the quality of being modern or contemporary”)

   precar(ious) + -ity → precarity (“a condition of existence without predictability or security, affecting material or psychological welfare”)

2. Used to form a countable noun from an adjective, referring to someone or something that conforms to the adjective's description.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • morpheme
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   absurd + -ity → [an] absurdity (“that which is absurd; an absurd action; a logical contradiction”)

   anonym(ous) + -ity → [an] anonymity (“that which is anonymous”)

   More examples (2)

   insipid + -ity → [an] insipidity (“something that is insipid; an insipid utterance, sight, object, etc.”)

   odd + -ity → [an] oddity (“an odd or strange thing or opinion; a strange person; an oddball”)

3. Used to form other nouns, especially abstract nouns.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • morpheme
   • Uncountable