What is the term for the element at the end of a word that modifies its meaning?

The term for the element at the end of a word that modifies its meaning is known as a suffix. A suffix is a morpheme added to the end of a root word or base word to adjust its meaning or grammatical function. For example, adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective "quick" transforms it into the adverb "quickly," which indicates the manner in which something is done.

In contrast, other terms such as a prefix and an affix serve different purposes. A prefix is placed at the beginning of a word to modify its meaning, while an affix encompasses both prefixes and suffixes as general terms that refer to components added to a root word. The root serves as the core part of a word that carries the primary meaning. Understanding the role of a suffix is crucial in word formation and assists in comprehending the nuances of language.