-le

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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)

Other definitions for -le (2 of 2)

l.e.

abbreviation Football.

left end.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use -le in a sentence

And the Absinthe House has a full list: Other famous imbibers include P.T. Barnum, Oscar Wilde, and General Robert E. Lee.
The Bars That Made America Great|Nina Strochlic|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Because Duck Dynasty receives monster TV ratings and Robertson paid by a company (A&E) while making these public statements.
Butts, Brawls, and Bill Cosby: The Biggest Celebrity Scandals of 2014 |Kevin Fallon|December 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Originally conceived by author Clarence E. Mulford in 1904, Hopalong was crude, rough-talking, and dangerous.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The guitar is tuned to E, and an Eminor chord on a guitar just rings and rings forever.
Yes, I Like Christmas Music. Stop Laughing.|Michael Tomasky|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST

"He brought Ray Charles to the mix as an influence on rock & roll," E Street Band guitarist Steven Van Zandt once raved.
Joe Cocker's Deep Live Cuts|Asawin Suebsaeng|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
E was an Esquire, with pride on his brow; F was a Farmer, and followed the plough.
Boys and Girls Bookshelf; a Practical Plan of Character Building, Volume I (of 17)|Various
True; but as we are far enough now from that point, we must e'en make the best of the bad.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 60, No. 372, October 1846|Various
De l peu d'heures il mourut entre mes mains fort chrestiennement.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
But L. Struve estimates the number of those visible to the great telescopes at 20 millions.
God and my Neighbour|Robert Blatchford
I can hardly help laughing at this myself; for, Se non e vero, ben Trovato!
A Letter from Mr. Cibber to Mr. Pope|Colley Cibber

British Dictionary definitions for -le (1 of 2)

abbreviation for

lupus erythematosus

British Dictionary definitions for -le (2 of 2)

-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