affixes

[əˈfɪksɪz]

affixes Definition

a morpheme that is added to a word to modify its meaning or create a new word.

Using affixes: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "affixes" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The affix '-less' can be added to the word 'hope' to create 'hopeless'.

  • Example

    In the word 'unhappiness', 'un-' and '-ness' are both affixes.

  • Example

    The English language has many affixes, including prefixes and suffixes.

Phrases with affixes

  • prefix

    an affix that is added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning

    Example

    The prefix 'un-' can be added to the word 'happy' to create 'unhappy'.

  • suffix

    an affix that is added to the end of a word to modify its meaning

    Example

    The suffix '-able' can be added to the word 'read' to create 'readable'.

  • infix

    an affix that is inserted into the middle of a word to modify its meaning

    Example

    In some languages, such as Tagalog, infixes are used to indicate tense and aspect.

Origins of affixes

from Latin 'affixus', meaning 'fastened'

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Summary: affixes in Brief

'Affixes' [əˈfɪksɪz] are morphemes that are added to words to modify their meaning or create new words. They include prefixes, suffixes, and infixes. Examples of affixes in English include '-less', 'un-', and '-able'.