Dictionary entry

-ness

Webster's Dictionary 1913

–ness (�). [AS. -ness, -nyss, -nys; akin to OS. -nissi, nussi, D. -nis, OHG. -nissa, -nassī, -nussī, G. -nis, -niss, Goth. -inasus.] A suffix used to form abstract nouns expressive of quality or state; as, goodness, greatness.