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Affixing: meaning, definitions and examples

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affixing

 

[ əˈfɪk.sɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

linguistics process

Affixing is the process of adding an affix to a base word to create a new word or alter its meaning. Affixes can be prefixes, suffixes, infixes, or circumfixes, changing the way a word is used in a sentence.

Synonyms

addition, attachment

Examples of usage

  • The affixing of '-ed' indicates past tense.
  • In linguistics, affixing can change the grammatical category of a word.
  • The affixing of prefixes can intensify the word's meaning.
Context #2 | Verb

attachment action

To affix means to attach or fasten something to another object or surface. It is commonly used in contexts such as binding, gluing, or sticking.

Synonyms

attach, fasten, stick

Examples of usage

  • Please affix the stamp to the envelope.
  • They need to affix the label securely to the package.
  • You should affix the component tightly for safety.

Word origin

The word 'affix' comes from the Latin term 'affixus', which is past participle of 'affigere' meaning 'to fix to'. It is a combination of 'ad-' (meaning 'to') and 'figere' (meaning 'to fasten'). The transition into English occurred in the late 15th century, as scholars and linguists began to formally study the construction of words and morphemes. The term evolved to represent both the act of attaching something as well as the linguistic concept of modifying base words with prefixes or suffixes. Over time, affixing has become a crucial element in understanding the structure of languages, especially in morphology, where the rules governing the combination of affixes and base words significantly influence meaning and usage.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,985, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.