http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-ee#English:
- Added to verbs to form words meaning a person or thing that is the object of that verb
- Less commonly added to verbs to form words meaning a person or thing that is the subject of that verb (ie, who or that [acts]), especially where a passive sense of the verb is implied.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/-or#Suffix:
- Suffix appended to words to create an agent noun, indicating a person who does something.
- Does definition 2 of -ee, equal, definition 1 of -or? So there's no difference between -ee and -or?
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Based on these suffixes, my goal is to infer instantly (on sight) whether a noun refers to the doer or receiver of an action. What are the general lessons or tips?
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Would someone please explain a passive sense of the verb is implied? Does this define the less common cases in which Definition 2 of -ee applies?
Source: p 67, The English Legal System 2012-2013, Gary Slapper
Best Answer
Both suffixes create a noun from a verb. Only an active verb can use -er/-or, and it denotes the person or thing causing the activity, or, in some cases, the thing/device/tool whose primary purpose is to perform an action.
Example: A scrubber can be a person who scrubs or a tool for scrubbing.
The -ee suffix is the recipient of an action. It may also be a person or inanimate object. It's not technically incorrect to use it with any active verb, but it will usually sound weird to most people, so be aware of that.
Example: Jill attacks Jim. Jill is the attacker; Jim is the attackee.
Passive voice got you confused? Let's reword the example.
Jim was attacked by Jill. Jill is still the attacker, even though Jim is now in the subject position of the sentence!
In the instance of absentee, the root word is absent, which is an adjective, and thus an exception to the normal usage. Just remember there is no such thing as an "absenter."