-ary

1 of 2

noun suffix

 US usually  ˌer-ē,

 or  when an unstressed syllable precedes ˌe-rē,

ə-rē,

 or  when a stressed syllable precedes rē;

 British usually  ə-rē,

 or  in all cases rē

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)