-le

a suffix of verbs having a frequentative force: dazzle; twinkle.

a suffix of adjectives formed originally on verbal stems and having the sense of “apt to”: brittle.

a noun suffix having originally a diminutive meaning: bramble.

a noun suffix indicating agent or instrument: beadle; bridle; thimble.

Origin of -le

Middle English -len, Old English -lian (v.); Middle English -el, Old English -ol (adj.); Middle English -el, Old English -il (diminutive); Middle English -el, Old English -ol, -ul (agent)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for -le

-le

suffix forming verbs

denoting repeated or continuous action, often of a diminutive naturetwiddle; wriggle; wrestle

Word Origin for -le

from Middle English -len, Old English -lian, with similar significance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012