suffix ic

Core Rule

-ic is a productive adjective suffix meaning “relating to” or “characterized by,” largely from Greek and Latin. Phonically, it is unstressed, with primary stress typically on the preceding syllable (e.g., elecTRONic).

Pronunciation Guide

The ending -ic is /ɪk/: a brief, lax /ɪ/ followed by a clean voiceless /k/ release. Keep it short and clipped.

Word Analysis

• bureaucratic /ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk/: stress on -crat-.
• catastrophic /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/: smooth linkage in -strophic.
• electronic /ɪˌlekˈtrɒnɪk/: clear boundary between electro- and -ic.

Pitfalls

Avoid lengthening to /iːk/ and confusing -ic with -ical, which often shifts nuance or form.