-ary

1 of 2

noun suffix

US usually ˌer-ē

or ˌe-rē when an unstressed syllable precedes

ə-rē

or rē when a stressed syllable precedes;

British usually ə-rē

or rē in all cases

1

: thing belonging to or connected with

especially : place of

ovary

2

: person belonging to, connected with, or engaged in

functionary

-ary

2 of 2

adjective suffix

: of, relating to, or connected with

budgetary

Word History

Etymology

Noun suffix

Middle English -arie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French -aire, -arie, from Latin -arius, -aria, -arium, from -arius, adjective suffix

Adjective suffix

Middle English -arie, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French -aire, from Latin -arius

Kids Definition

-ary

1 of 2 noun suffix

usually ˌer-ē

after an unstressed syllable, ə-rē

or rē

after a stressed syllable

plural -aries

: thing or person belonging to or connected with

boundary

-ary

2 of 2 adjective suffix

: of, relating to, or connected with

legendary

Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -arius, -aria, -arium (noun suffix), from -arius (adjective suffix)

Adjective suffix

derived from Latin -arius (adjective suffix)