Adjectives, Nouns, and Verbs That Start With -ment

If you are learning English, you have probably noticed that many words end with -ment. This common suffix turns verbs into nouns, but it also appears in adjectives and a few verbs. This guide gives you a direct answer: -ment is most often a noun suffix meaning “the result or state of an action,” but it can also appear in adjectives (like mental) and verbs (like comment). Below you will find clear lists, practical examples, and usage notes to help you use these words correctly in writing, email, and conversation.

Quick Answer: What Does -ment Mean?

The suffix -ment usually turns a verb into a noun. For example, enjoy + -ment = enjoyment (the state of enjoying). However, some words that start with ment- (like mental or mention) are not formed by adding a suffix—they are root words. This article covers both types: words where -ment is a suffix and words that simply begin with ment-. Focus on the most common ones for everyday use.

Nouns That End With -ment (Most Common)

These are the most frequent nouns formed by adding -ment to a verb. They are used in formal and informal contexts, but they are especially common in business writing, academic work, and official documents.

Natural Examples (Nouns)

• Formal email: “We appreciate your prompt payment for the invoice.”
• Conversation: “I got a lot of enjoyment from that movie.”
• Business report: “The development of new products is our priority.”

Common Mistakes (Nouns)

• Mistake: “I need to make a pay.”
  Correction: “I need to make a payment.” (Use the noun form, not the verb.)
• Mistake: “We had an agree.”
  Correction: “We had an agreement.” (Always add -ment for the noun.)

Adjectives That Start With Ment-

Adjectives beginning with ment- are less common, but they are important for describing mental states or processes. These are not formed by adding a suffix—they are root words.

Natural Examples (Adjectives)

• Conversation: “I need a mental break after that long meeting.”
• Formal context: “The company provides mentorial guidance to all interns.”

Better Alternatives

For mental, you can sometimes use psychological (more formal) or cognitive (scientific). For mentholated, cooling is a simpler alternative in casual speech.

Verbs That Start With Ment-

Very few verbs begin with ment-. The most common ones are mention and mentor. These are root words, not formed by a suffix.

Natural Examples (Verbs)

• Email: “Please mention your availability in your reply.”
• Conversation: “I can mentor you if you need help with the project.”

Common Mistakes (Verbs)

• Mistake: “I will ment you.”
  Correction: “I will mentor you.” (The verb is mentor, not ment.)
• Mistake: “He mentioned about the problem.”
  Correction: “He mentioned the problem.” (No preposition needed after mention.)

Comparison Table: Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs

When to Use -ment Words: Formal vs. Informal

Most -ment nouns are neutral or slightly formal. They work well in professional emails, reports, and academic writing. In casual conversation, you might use shorter alternatives. For example:

• Formal: “We need an agreement before proceeding.”
• Informal: “Let’s make sure we’re on the same page.”
• Formal: “The improvement in sales is notable.”
• Informal: “Sales are getting better.”

For verbs like mention and mentor, they are common in both formal and informal settings. Use mention in any context. Use mentor more in professional or educational settings.

Nuance and Tone

Some -ment words carry a slightly different nuance. For example:

• Enjoyment is more about personal pleasure, while satisfaction is about meeting a standard.
• Development can mean physical growth (a child’s development) or progress (software development).
• Payment is specific to money, while compensation can include benefits.

Choose the word that matches your exact meaning. If you are unsure, use the simpler -ment noun (like agreement instead of concord).

Mini Practice Section

Test yourself with these four questions. Write your answers, then check below.

1. What is the noun form of the verb “to improve”?
2. Which word is correct: “I need to make a (pay / payment) today.”
3. Is “mental” a noun, adjective, or verb?
4. Fill in the blank: “Please ______ the deadline in your email.” (use a verb starting with ment-)

Answers

1. Improvement.
2. Payment (noun).
3. Adjective.
4. Mention.

FAQ

1. Can I add -ment to any verb?

No. Only certain verbs accept the -ment suffix. Common ones include agree, develop, enjoy, improve, manage, pay, and achieve. For other verbs, use a different noun form (e.g., decision from decide, not “decidement”).

2. Are there any verbs that end with -ment?

Yes, but they are rare. The verb comment ends with -ment, but it is a root word, not a suffix. Other examples include compliment and supplement (which can be nouns or verbs).

3. What is the difference between “mental” and “mentholated”?

Mental relates to the mind (e.g., mental health). Mentholated means containing menthol, a cooling substance (e.g., mentholated cough drops). They are not interchangeable.

4. How do I know if a word is a noun or verb when it ends in -ment?

Most words ending in -ment are nouns. If you see a word like comment or compliment, check the sentence: “He made a comment” (noun) vs. “He will comment later” (verb). Context tells you the part of speech.

Final Tips for Learners

Focus on the most common -ment nouns first: agreement, development, improvement, payment, achievement, enjoyment, management. Use them in your writing and speaking. For adjectives and verbs, remember mental and mention are your best friends. Practice with the examples above, and you will sound more natural and precise in English.

For more word lists and practice, explore our Parts of Speech Lists or check out Beginner Word Lists for simpler vocabulary. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us.