-ety

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Etymology 1

Apparently an alteration of -edy, as seen in jaggedy, raggedy, etc.; equivalent to -ed + -y. The alteration of -d- to -t- is perhaps due to Scottish influence, where it is common for the past participle of Scots verbs to end in -et/-it rather than -ed as in English.

Alternatively, perhaps imitative of repeated action.

Suffix

1. Added to monosyllabic words, typically nouns or adjectives, to extend their form.
   1. Often with frequentative force.

      jig + -ety → jiggety

      hip-hop + -ety → hippety-hoppety

      yack + -ety → yackety-yak

   2. Also seen in other fanciful compounds.

      dig + -ety → diggety, hot diggety dog

      lick + -ety → lickety, lickety-split

Etymology 2

Cognate of -ity, ultimately from Latin -tās.

Suffix

1. Used to indicate qualities or states.

   contrary + -ety → contrariety

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