-y

-y

-y¹ [ē, i]

[ME -y, -i, -ie, prob. based on OFr -i, -e, in such familiar names as Davi (for David), Mathe (for Matheu), etc.] suffix forming nouns

1. little, dear: used in forming diminutives, nicknames, and terms of endearment [kitty, Billy, daddy]

2. alt. sp. of-IE (sense 2)

-y² [ē, i]

[ME -y, -ie < OE -ig, akin to L -ic(us), Gr -ik(os)] suffix forming adjectives

1. having, full of, or characterized by [dirty, healthy]

2. rather, somewhat [yellowy, chilly, dusky]

3. inclined or tending to [drowsy, sticky]

4. suggestive of, somewhat like [wavy]: Sometimes used with a slight intensive force that does not change the meaning of the root adjective [stilly]

-y³ [ē, i]

[ME -ie < OFr < L -ia < or akin to Gr -ia, -eia] suffix forming nouns

1. quality or condition [jealousy, zoanthropy]

2. a shop or goods of a (specified) kind [coopery]

3. a collective body of a (specified) kind [soldiery]

-y⁴ [ē, i]

[ME -ie < Anglo-Fr < L -ium] suffix forming nouns

action of [inquiry]