What is an affix? At first glance, the words “affixes,” “prefixes” and “suffixes” can seem a little confusing, but these grammatical elements of the English language are essential to forming words within sentences in order to sufficiently convey what is needed. In this article, we are going to look at the meaning of a prefix and a suffix, both of which fall under the category of an affix.
Affix
An affix is simply a grammatical element, in the form of a group of letters that is added to the main part of a word, also known as the root in order to create modified forms of the word. Affix consists of prefix and suffix.
Prefix
A prefix is a type of affix which is attached to the start of the root word. There are many different prefixes that are extremely common within the English language.
Suffix
A suffix is very similar to a prefix in that it is a group of letters which is attached to the root of a word, only this time, the letters are attached to the end of the word rather than the beginning.
Affixes
Examples of Prefixes
We are now going to take a look at some examples of these prefixes and words in which you might see them, as well as displaying them in sentences in order to better understand their use.
- un – this prefix means not or reverses the meaning of words. Some examples of words that can use this prefix are; unreal, untidy, unbreakable, unreliable.
- re – this prefix refers to something happening again. Some examples of words that use this prefix are; revive, renew, reveal, regenerate.
- dis – this prefix means not, away or separate. Some examples of words that can use this prefix are; disappear, disregard, disengage.
- pre – this prefix means before. Some examples of words that can use this prefix are; prepare, premeditate, prefix, prejudice.
- mis – this prefix means wrong or bad. Some examples of words that can use the prefix are; misconception, miscarriage, mistake, misjudge.
- en – this prefix means within or make. Some examples of words that use this prefix are; enforce, enslave, encourage, engrave.
- anti – this prefix means against. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; anticlockwise, antidote, antibiotic.
- co – this prefix means with. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; co-worker, co-dependant, co-operate.
- de – this prefix means off, away from or down. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; defame, defer, determine, degenerate.
- fore – this prefix means before. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; foreward, forehead, foresee, foreskin.
- mono – this prefix means single or one. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; monobrow, monopoly, monotone.
- para – this prefix means next to or beside. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; paraphrase, parachute, paramedic, paraglider.
- sub – this prefix means under. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; submerge, submarine, subtitle.
- trans – this prefix means across. Some examples of words that use the prefix are; transgender, transparent, transatlantic, transport.
Examples of Suffixes
We are now going to take a look at some examples of common suffixes and some words which they are used with, as well as looking at these words in action so that we can get a better understanding of their use.
- acy – this suffix refers to the state or quality of something. Some examples of words which use this suffix are; legacy, accuracy, democracy.
- dom – this suffix refers to a place of being. Some examples of words which use this suffix are; stardom, freedom, kingdom.
- ism – this suffix means belief. Some examples of words which use this suffix are; Hinduism, Judaism, escapism.
- ist – this suffix refers to an object or person who does an action. Some examples of words which use this suffix are; protagonist, typist, lyricist, journalist.
- ness – this suffix is a state of being. Some examples of words which use the suffix are; happiness, ruefulness, gratefulness, kindness.
- en – this suffix means to become. Some examples of words which use the suffix are; deepen, harden, sharpen, tighten.
- ful – this suffix means that something is noted for. Some examples of words which use this suffix are; beautiful, plentiful, useful, bashful.
- ish – this suffix refers to the character of something or someone. Some words which use this suffix are; childish, squeamish, blueish.
- ive – this suffix refers to the nature of the object. Some examples of words which use this suffix are; invasive, informative, attentive.
- ing – this suffix refers to an action which is happening. Some examples of words which use the suffix are; going, becoming, taking, relaxing.
- ly – this suffix means related to. Some examples of words which use the suffix are; softly, quickly, ably, angrily.
- ward(s) – this suffix relates to the direction. Some examples of words which use the suffix are; towards, afterwards, forward, backward.
Prefixes and Suffixes
Example Sentences of Prefixes
We will now look at some examples of sentences in which these common prefixes might be used.
- This book is unbelievable.
- I must return to work.
- When my sister feels sad, she tends to disappear into her bedroom.
- We are going to prepare the food.
- I made a terrible mistake.
- Last week, my boyfriend and I got engaged.
- I do not like to see antisocial behaviour in my street.
- Are you co-pilot?
- He will determine what the problem is.
- You have a lump on your forehead.
- That man has a large monobrow on his face.
- The man used the parachute when the plane crashed.
- I completely submerge myself underwater when I swim.
- My friend is flying transatlantic.
Example Sentences of Suffixes
We are now going to take a look at these suffixes used in a sentence:
- The accuracy of this clock is amazing.
- He was so glad to regain his freedom.
- My friend follows the faith of Sikhism
- The antagonist in the story was interesting.
- She always shows such faithfulness to her partner.
- I always try to strengthen my muscles.
- My daughter is very beautiful.
- This new coat is very stylish.
- The surgery is invasive but necessary.
- We are running to the park.
- He stroked the cat very gently.
- I walked towards the sea.
Conclusion
As you can see, using prefixes and suffixes can be a very useful way of expressing meaning in a word or sentence. By adding a prefix or suffix you can alter or modify the meaning of a word. Both of these word types fall under the wider title of an affix.
Affix Infographic
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