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DictionaryRoot: -osus
Latin

-osus

full of, having; characterized by

Forms

  • -osus
  • -ous — English ending developed through French.
  • -ose — A learned English form based on the Latin suffix.

Origin

Latin -osus, a suffix attached to nouns; its deeper formation is uncertain.

Note

Usually marks a characteristic, without requiring a literal abundance of anything.

46 / 117
An older man sits quietly with tears running down his cheeks, holding a plain handkerchief near his face.
adjective

lachrymose

LAK-rih-mohs/ˈlækrɪməʊs/

Sad and inclined to weep.

Etymology
lachrymLatina tear
+oseLatinfull of, having; characterized by

The pieces suggest being “full of tears.” English moved from an early sense of “tear-like” to describing someone given to weeping.

Full entry

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