What Is the Difference Between Suit and Suite? (Suites pronunciation)

Vocabulary / By

There are two points to remember when deciphering between “suit” and “suite:” pronunciation and meaning. A suit can serve two separate parts of speech: noun or verb. A suite is a place and is, therefore, a noun.

A “suit” is a type of clothing people wear on formal occasions or for business. But, it can also be a verb, “to suit,” meaning fit, appropriate, and/or convenient. A “suite” is a room in a building like a store or a hotel.

Suit

“Suit” has several facets to consider when remembering its use. The first of these is pronunciation. It sounds like ‘sue’ with a ‘t’ at the end: sue-t. The next factor is the meaning of the word and this takes on various interpretations depending on if you want to use it as a noun or a verb.

Noun

When it’s a noun, you’re referring to a special piece of clothing that’s often going to be far nicer than average casual wear. You often see businessmen wearing suits or people will wear them to a wedding, funeral, or other formal occasions.

Sam’s suit is so sharp!

You have to wear a suit and tie to enter that five-star restaurant.

Verb

When you use “suit” as a verb, you wish to imply you find something satisfactory, acceptable, or fitting. This means it falls under the rules of conjugation.

I suited the job requirements well but not the company. (past)

You suit my preferences. (present)

She suits him well as a wife. (present)

The house suited him but he couldn’t afford it. (past)

We suit each other. (present)

Suite

“Suite” is an entirely different word from “suit” and carries a varied meaning. It’s only a noun that refers to a special room in a building. These can be things like stores, offices, or hotels; often of the luxury sort, but not always. The pronunciation of it sounds like “sweet.”

We got the top floor suite at the five-star hotel down the street.

All the law offices are in suite 204.

Mnemonic Device

Use the following to help you remember the difference between “suit” and “suite.”

The suit is sweet and the suite suits.

Conclusion

There are some nuances and distinctions to remember when considering the difference between “suit” and “suite.” “Suit” can be either a noun or a verb whereas “suite” is a noun.

Conor
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