-cy

Origin

Ultimately from Latin -cia, -tia, Ancient Greek -κια, -τια.

Full definition of -cy

Suffix

1. (non-productive) Used to form nouns of state, condition or quality e.g. obstinacy
2. (non-productive) Used to form nouns of rank or office e.g. abbacy

Usage notes

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).

Synonyms

• (office) -ate

Derived terms