EnglishEdit
EtymologyEdit
Ultimately from Latin -cia, -tia, Ancient Greek -κια (-kia), -τια (-tia).
SuffixEdit
-cy
- (non-productive) Used to form nouns of state, condition or quality e.g. obstinacy
- (non-productive) Used to form nouns of rank or office e.g. abbacy
Usage notesEdit
In sense of a state, a condition, often replaces a terminal -t, as in pregnancy (from pregnant). Exceptions include normalcy (no terminal -t in normal) and bankruptcy (terminal -t in bankrupt retained).
SynonymsEdit
- (office): -ate
Derived termsEdit
TranslationsEdit
used to form nouns of state, condition or quality e.g. obstinacy