-ory

¹

1. an adjective-forming suffix, joined to bases of Latin origin in imitation of borrowed Latin words containing the suffix -tory1 (and its alternant -sory ): excretory; sensory; statutory .

-ory

²

1. a suffix forming nouns denoting places or receptacles, joined to bases of Latin origin in imitation of borrowed Latin words containing the suffix -tory2 (or its alternant -sory ): crematory .

-ory

¹

suffix forming nouns

1. indicating a place for

   observatory

2. something having a specified use

   directory

-ory

²

suffix forming adjectives

1. of or relating to; characterized by; having the effect of

   contributory

   promissory

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ory¹

Middle English -orie < Anglo-French; Old French -oire < Latin -ōrius, extracted from -tōrius -tory ¹; -or ²

Origin of -ory²

Middle English -orie < Anglo-French; Old French -oire < Latin -ōrium, extracted from -tōrium -tory ²; -ory ¹, -or ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of -ory¹

via Old French -orie, from Latin -ōrium, -ōria

Origin of -ory²

via Old French -orie, from Latin -ōrius

Example Sentences

“It took a while for us to even go back to a church after all of that,” Ory said recently.

From The Daily Beast

Ory recalled the Hosanna Church scandal as “very stressful.”

From The Daily Beast

Cast: Josh Holloway, Marg Helgenberger, Meghan Ory, Michael Rady, John Billingsley, James Martinez, P.J. Byrne.

From The Daily Beast

Pill′ory, Pill′orise, to punish in the pillory: to expose to ridicule:—pa.t.

From Project Gutenberg

With Miller, as Hook said in his clever, punning way, all argument in favour of it proved Newgate-ory.

From Project Gutenberg

What time wur you there, gintlemen, at Ory Thamis Buildings?

From Project Gutenberg

Consult′ing, of a physician or lawyer who gives advice; Consult′ive, pertaining to consultation; Consult′ory, Consult′atory.

From Project Gutenberg

Detract′ive, Detrac′tious, Detract′ory, tending to detract: derogatory.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• golden
• silvery