The Suffixes ‘ship’ and ‘hood’ have nothing to do with ‘ships’ or ‘hoods’. They are very old, and can be traced back to pronto-Germanic languages. They are added to the end of nouns to make abstract nouns. Both indicate state, status, quality, or condition.
Let’s learn some common English words that end in in ‘ship’ and ‘hood’.
-ship
1.) Used to indicate status or title:
friendship
companionship
relationship
fellowship – an association of companions, a university or church community
citizenship
membership
internship
dictatorship
censorship
ambassadorship
sponsorship
championship
leadership
2.) Used to indicate belonging:
ownership = state of possession
authorship = state of being the source or creator of something
3.) Used to indicate a state:
bipartisanship = cooperation in a two party system
courtship = attempting to gain favour (especially with someone in power)
dealership = a place where deals are made (modern: a place that sells cars)
hardship = difficulty
worship = adoration
-hood
1.) Used for states in interpersonal relationships:
motherhood
fatherhood
brotherhood
sisterhood
childhood
parenthood
adulthood
neighbourhood – Notice that times change, and the social context is different. Now it means an area. In early usage, it referred to being among neighbours.
2.) Used for states:
falsehood = untruth
likelihood = probability
Peace quiz and conversation questions with -ship and -hood:
1.) Click on the correct suffix in the following questions.
2.) Take turns asking each other the questions.
