-ive is an adjective suffix that means "to have the nature of". Examples: Expressive=something that expresses Extensive=something that extends Creative=something that creates Combative=something that combats You use adjectives, of course, to modify nouns. So if I say, "You're a very inventive person," what I mean is, "You're the sort of person who invents things." So to answer your question, not much changes. If a verb is something that you do, then an adjective ending in -ive means that the noun modified by it is known for its ability to do that verb. A secretive cat is a cat that has the nature of secrecy. An inquisitive woman is a woman who has the nature of inquiry (i.e. curiosity). A punitive law is a law that has the nature of punishment. The suffix basically means that the affected noun has a certain verb as an important quality.

-ive is one of many suffixes for adjective. It's called an Adjectival Suffix. It general means 'having the quality/nature of, or tending to' For example. If you are a support for someone, you are supportive. support => supportive If you the tendency to have a lot of aggression, you are aggressive. aggression => aggressive If something has the qualify of having a lot of mass, it is massive. mass => massive

"ive" can be added to a word to make its plural form. WORDS THAT END WITH 'FE' USUALLY CHANGE TO 'IVE' TO MAKE A PLURAL...

I don't know if there are any rules - but typically it changes the form of a word. A noun can be changed into an adjective, or a verb into a noun, or a verb into an adjective. So a mass can be described as being massive. Verbs can be used as nouns: So something that adheres is an adhesive. You can collect together into a collective. You can elect one or more electives. Verbs can become adjectives: If you talk a lot you are talkative. Someone that creates is creative.