ment

Ment is a derivational suffix used in English to form nouns from verbs and, less commonly, from adjectives. It comes from Old French -ment, which in turn derives from Latin -mentum. The suffix entered Middle English through Norman influence and became a productive part of the language’s word-building system.

Usage and meaning: The primary function of -ment is to create nouns that express action, process, or the result of a verb. Examples include development (the process of developing), movement (the act of moving), payment (the amount paid), arrangement (the act of arranging), and achievement (something achieved). It can also yield nouns that denote a state or condition, such as contentment or enjoyment. In some cases -ment forms nouns that denote a place or thing associated with the root, as in basement (a place below ground) or equipment (the set of tools or supplies).

Productivity and variation: -ment is one of the most common English suffixes and remains productive, producing both countable nouns (an arrangement, several developments) and uncountable ones (equipment, information in some senses). Some -ment nouns are inherited from French or Latin forms rather than formed directly by attaching -ment to an English verb. Spelling is generally straightforward, but English conventions may preserve or alter the base spelling when adding -ment, especially around final -e or -y forms.

Examples in common use include government, movement, payment, development, arrangement, achievement, basement, and equipment. The suffix helps expand nominal vocabulary by turning actions and states into concrete or abstract nouns.