-ous (English)
Where does "-ous" come from?
The English suffix '-ous' is used to form adjectives denoting possession, the presence of a quality, or relation to a noun[1]. The suffix traveled into English from Middle English '-ous', which derived from Old French '-ous', tracing back ultimately to the Latin suffix '-ōsus' meaning 'full of'[1]. While many English adjectives ending in '-ous' entered the language directly from French or Latin models, the suffix has also been attached to native English nouns to create new adjectives like 'slumberous'[1].
Full etymology tree
- -ous (English), 'Used to form adjectives from nouns, to denote:'
- inherited -ous (Middle English), 'Forms adjectives from nouns or verbs, especially if of Romance origin.'
- inherited (Old French)
- inherited -osus (Latin), '-ose, -ous; full of, overly, prone to. Used to form adjectives from nouns.'
- inherited (Old French)
- inherited -ous (Middle English), 'Forms adjectives from nouns or verbs, especially if of Romance origin.'
Ancestors
- -ous (Middle English)
- -ous (Old French)
- -osus (Latin)
Cognates and doublets
- -ose (English)
- -wise (English)
Sources
Updated September 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris