-er

[[t]-ə(r)[/t]]

1) SUFFIX You add -er to many short adjectives to form comparatives. For example, the comparative of `nice' is `nicer'; the comparative of `happy' is `happier'. You also add it to some adverbs that do not end in -ly. For example, the comparative of `soon' is `sooner'.

2) SUFFIX You add -er to verbs to form nouns which refer to a person, animal, or thing that does the action described by the verb; for example a `reader' is someone who reads and a `money-saver' is something that saves money.

3) SUFFIX You add -er to words to form nouns which refer to a person who is associated or involved with the thing described by the word; for example a `pensioner' is someone who is entitled to a pension.

4) SUFFIX You add -er to nouns to form nouns or adjectives which refer to things with a particular characteristic or feature; for example a `three-wheeler' is a vehicle with three wheels.

5) SUFFIX You add -er to words to form nouns which refer to a person with a particular job. For example, someone who works in a mine is a `miner'.

6) SUFFIX You add -er to the names of some places to form nouns which refer to a person who comes from that place. For example, someone who comes from London is a `Londoner'.