The "-ous" Suffix: Full Of and Characterized By

The Latin suffix "-ous" (also "-ious" or "-eous") creates adjectives meaning "full of" or "characterized by" a quality. This highly productive pattern appears throughout English formal vocabulary.

Full Of Quality

Dangerous (full of danger), joyous (full of joy), glorious (full of glory)—"-ous" indicates abundance of a quality.

Characterized By

Famous (characterized by fame), precious (characterized by high price), spacious (characterized by space)—describing defining characteristics.

Scientific Usage

Gaseous (like gas), aqueous (like water), ferrous (containing iron)—"-ous" creates scientific adjectives, especially in chemistry.

Conclusion

The "-ous" suffix is fundamental for creating descriptive adjectives that express abundance or characteristic qualities in formal English.