Suffix HOOD

The suffix -hood also forms nouns, and has a meaning very similar to the meaning of -dom.

When added to a word it gives the meaning of "the state of being...".

Etymologically, the word hood refered to specific characteristics or features of someone.

Examples:

fatherhood: the state of being father (the responsabilities that come with it)

priesthood: the state of being a priest (the work and responsability related with it)

manhood:the state of being a man (the specific characteristics of a man)

childhood: the period when you are a child, when you have the specific characteristics of a child

adulthood: the period when you are an adult; the state of being adult

nationhood: having the status of being a nation

neighborhood: the area or people that belong to the neighboring (surrounding) area

likelihood: within the domain of what is likely to happen; probability