Ever wondered why words like performance, importance, and endurance sound so refined and academic?
It’s because they share a powerful linguistic ending the suffix “ance.” In English grammar, words ending in “ance” often represent states, actions, or qualities. They’re elegant, professional, and frequently appear in essays, speeches, and everyday conversations.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, or English learner, mastering nouns ending in “ance” can dramatically improve your writing and communication skills.
What Does the Suffix ance Mean?
The suffix “-ance” originates from Latin and Old French, where it was used to form abstract nouns words that express ideas or qualities rather than physical objects.
In simple terms, adding “-ance” to a verb turns it into a noun that describes the act or state of doing something.
| Verb | Noun (ending in -ance) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| perform | performance | the act of performing |
| tolerate | tolerance | the ability to tolerate |
| endure | endurance | the ability to endure |
| appear | appearance | the way something appears |
| balance | balance | a state of equilibrium |
Also Read: How to use S or ES
How “ance” Changes Word Meaning
The “-ance” suffix signals a state, condition, or quality transforming actions into ideas.
Think of it as turning a verb’s action into a noun’s concept.
Examples:
- Endure → Endurance (state of enduring)
- Perform → Performance (act of performing)
- Tolerate → Tolerance (quality of being tolerant)
This is called word formation in English morphology, where verbs evolve into nouns through suffix derivation.
Common English Words Ending in “ance”
Below is a categorized list of English words ending with “-ance.”
Use this as your go-to vocabulary builder or grammar study guide.
Everyday Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| appearance | the way something looks |
| balance | state of stability |
| performance | act of performing |
| importance | significance or value |
| tolerance | ability to accept differences |
| dominance | control or superiority |
| distance | space between two points |
| finance | management of money |
Academic Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| significance | importance or meaning |
| endurance | ability to withstand hardship |
| governance | act of governing |
| resistance | opposition or defense |
| brilliance | great intelligence or light |
| acceptance | act of agreeing or receiving |
| compliance | obedience or conformity |
| reliance | trust or dependence |
Emotional & Abstract Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| grievance | a complaint or resentment |
| reliance | dependence on someone or something |
| annoyance | feeling of irritation |
| defiance | resistance or bold disobedience |
| assurance | confidence or guarantee |
Other Useful “ance” Words
performance, importance, endurance, brilliance, dominance, balance, finance, governance, tolerance, acceptance, appearance, significance, compliance, reliance, resistance, elegance, perseverance, vigilance, inheritance, grievance, annoyance, substance, abundance, relevance, resonance, arrogance, brilliance, extravagance.
Word Formation: Verb → Noun Conversion
| Verb | + “-ance” Noun | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| perform | performance | Her performance was outstanding. |
| endure | endurance | His endurance amazed everyone. |
| appear | appearance | Your appearance matters at interviews. |
| govern | governance | Good governance builds trust. |
| tolerate | tolerance | Practice tolerance to live peacefully. |
| comply | compliance | Compliance with rules is mandatory. |
The “ance” vs “ence” Rule
People often confuse words ending in “-ance” and “-ence.”
Here’s a simple trick to tell them apart
| If the root word ends with… | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hard sounds like t, r, d | -ance | tolerate → tolerance |
| Soft sounds like c, s | -ence | differ → difference |
So:
- Importance (correct ✅)
- Competence (not competance ❌)
How to Use “-ance” Words in Sentences
1. As Subjects
Performance improves with practice.
2. As Objects
She admired his endurance.
3. In Prepositional Phrases
With great tolerance, she forgave him.
4. In Academic Writing
Governance and compliance are vital for public trust.
5. In Creative Writing
Her brilliance lit up the room like morning sunshine.
Learning Tips for Students and ESL Learners
If you’re a student or English learner, here’s how to remember and master “-ance” words easily:
- Group them by theme: (e.g., emotional words: annoyance, tolerance, defiance)
- Create flashcards: write the verb on one side (perform) and the noun (performance) on the other.
- Use them in daily writing: try including one new “-ance” word in your essays or emails.
- Learn patterns: verbs ending in -ear, -ure, -ate often take “-ance.”
Example: tolerate → tolerance, endure → endurance, appear → appearance.
Learn More: One word submission worksheet
Comparison Table: “ance” vs Other Common Suffixes
| Suffix | Function | Example Words | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| -ance | forms abstract nouns | endurance, importance | state or quality |
| -ence | forms abstract nouns | difference, confidence | state or act |
| -tion | creates action nouns | creation, definition | act or process |
| -ment | forms result nouns | achievement, movement | result of action |
Quick Quiz: Test Your “ance” Knowledge
Q1. The act of performing is called __________.
→ Performance
Q2. The ability to tolerate is called __________.
→ Tolerance
Q3. What’s the difference between acceptance and accept?
→ Acceptance is the noun (the act of accepting), accept is the verb.
Conclusion:
Mastering words ending in “-ance” isn’t just about memorizing a list it’s about understanding how English builds meaning. From performance to importance, these words give your sentences depth, elegance, and precision.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, crafting a creative story, or improving your daily speech, “-ance” words add clarity and sophistication. So next time you want your writing to sound polished add a little brilliance or reliance and let the “-ance” suffix work its magic.
FAQs about words ending in ance
Q1. What are common English words ending with “-ance”?
Performance, importance, endurance, tolerance, and appearance are common nouns ending in “-ance.”
Q2. What does the suffix “-ance” mean?
It expresses a state, quality, or action for example, endurance means the ability to endure.
Q3. How do you know when to use “-ance” or “-ence”?
Use “-ance” after verbs ending in hard sounds like t, r, or d.
Q4. Is “-ance” a noun suffix?
Yes, it’s a noun-forming suffix used to create abstract nouns from verbs.
