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Affix Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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affix

[ˈæfɪks ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

word formation

A morpheme added at the beginning or end of a word to modify its meaning. Affixes can be prefixes (added at the beginning) or suffixes (added at the end). They are common in many languages for creating new words or changing the grammatical function of existing ones.

Synonyms

addition, prefix, suffix.

Examples of usage

  • Adding the prefix 'un-' to 'happy' changes the meaning to 'unhappy'.
  • The suffix '-less' added to 'fear' creates the word 'fearless'.
Context #2 | Verb

attach

To attach or fasten something to something else. It can also refer to the act of adding an affix to a word.

Synonyms

attach, fix, stick.

Examples of usage

  • She affixed the stamp to the envelope.
  • The linguist affixed the prefix 're-' to the verb 'write'.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In language, affixes include prefixes, suffixes, and infixes that modify the meaning of the root word.
  • Adding 'un-' to a word creates a negation; for instance, 'happy' becomes 'unhappy', reversing the meaning.

Education

  • Understanding how to use affixes helps in vocabulary development and can improve reading comprehension.
  • Teaching children about affixes can enable them to decode new words, as they learn how prefixes and suffixes function.

Psychology

  • The process of learning about affixes helps enhance cognitive flexibility by allowing learners to see connections between words.
  • Using affixed words can create pathways in the brain that aid in memory retention, making learning more effective.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular songs and movies use affixed words to play with meanings, creating catchy or clever titles.
  • In comic books, the use of affixes helps create superhero names that stand out and convey traits, such as 'Firestorm' or 'Ironman'.

Origin of 'affix'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'affixus', meaning 'to attach' or 'to fasten'.
  • It was first used in English during the late 15th century, originally referring to things that are physically attached.

The word 'affix' comes from the Latin verb 'affigere', which means 'to fasten to'. The concept of affixes has been used in language for centuries as a way to modify words and create new ones. Affixation is a fundamental process in word formation and is essential for the structure and meaning of many languages.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,163, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.