Homonym: -ness (State)
The suffix "-ness" is used in the English language to form nouns that express a state, quality, or condition. It is added to adjectives to create words that describe how something is. For example, the adjective happy becomes the noun happiness, indicating the state of being happy.
This suffix can be applied to various adjectives, allowing for a wide range of expressions. Words like dark transform into darkness, and kind becomes kindness. By using "-ness," speakers can convey complex ideas about feelings, characteristics, and conditions in a simple and effective way.