-sion suffix

Rule Core

The -sion suffix forms abstract nouns, typically meaning “action, state, or result.” It often follows verbs of Latin origin. Phonetically, -sion is realized as /ʃən/ or /ʒən/ depending on the preceding consonant.

Pronunciation Guide

For /ʃən/, place the tongue close to the alveolar ridge without touching; lips are slightly rounded, airflow is soft and fricative. For /ʒən/, maintain the same position but activate vocal cord vibration.

Word Analysis

decision /dɪˈsɪʒən/ shows voicing caused by the preceding sound. By contrast, treasury ends in -sury, not -sion, and follows a different stress and vowel pattern.

Pitfall Alert

Do not confuse -sion with -tion or -cian; similar spelling does not guarantee identical pronunciation.