An affix in English Grammar is a small part added to the beginning or end of a word that can change the meaning or usage of that word. Affix is of two types: Prefix and Suffix.
Definition of Prefix:
A prefix is a small part added to the beginning of a word. Prefixes usually change the meaning of words. For example, adding the prefix “un” to the beginning of the word “happy” results in the new word “unhappy”, which means “unhappy”. Example:
- un- means “not” or “opposite”, eg: unkind, unhappy, unkindness
- re- means “again”, eg: rebuild, re-enter, re-read
- over- means “over” or “excess”, eg: overeat, overthrow, override
Definition of Suffix:
Suffix is a small part added at the end of a word. Suffix usually changes word class. For example, adding the suffix “-er” to the end of the word “run” gives the new word “runner”, which means “runner”. Example:
- -er means “one who does”, ie: writer, reader, teacher
- -ing means “doing”, eg: writing, reading, teaching
- -ness means “value”, eg: kindness, happiness, sadness
Affix can be used to form new words. For example, adding the suffix “-ed” to the end of the word “root” results in the new word “rooted”, meaning “rooted”.
Affixes can be used to change the meaning of words. For example, adding the prefix “un” to the beginning of the word “happy” results in the new word “unhappy”, which means “unhappy”.
Affix can be used to change word class. For example, adding the suffix “-er” to the end of the word “run” gives the new word “runner”, which means “runner”.
Affix is an important part of English Grammar. Affix can be used to create new words, change the meaning of words and change the class of words.
Prefix Formation Rules:
Prefix is usually added before the root of the word. Prefixes generally do not affect the pronunciation of words.
Rules of Suffix Formation:
Suffix is usually added after the root of the word. Suffixes can generally affect the pronunciation of words.
It is important to remember some rules when forming affixes:
Confirm pronunciation of words before adding Prefix and Suffix.After adding Prefix and Suffix, check the meaning of the word.
For example, adding the prefix “un-“ to the word “happy” creates the word “unhappy”. The word “unhappy” means “unhappy”. Adding the prefix “re-“ to the word “write” creates the word “rewrite”. The word “rewrite” means “rewrite”. Adding the prefix “in-“ to the word “see” creates the word “invisible”. The word “invisible” means “invisible”.
Adding the suffix “-able” to the word “eat” forms the word “eatable”. The word “eatable” means “that which can be eaten”. Adding the suffix “-ness” to the word “kind” forms the word “kindness”. The word “kindness” means “kindness”. Adding the suffix “-er” to the word “teach” forms the word “teacher”. The word “teacher” means “teacher”.
Why is Affix used in English?
Affixes are used in English Grammar mainly for the following reasons:
Word formation: New words can be formed using Affix. For example, the suffix “-ly” is added to the word “like” to form the word “likely”.
Word meaning: Word meaning can be changed by using affix. For example, the suffix “-ness” is added to the word “good” to form the word “goodness”.
Word function: Affix can be used to change the function of words. For example, adding the suffix “-er” to the word “play” creates the word “player”.
Some examples of Affix are given below:
- Prefixes:
- “un-” (opposite of): unhappy, unkind
- “in-” (opposite of): incorrect, impossible
- “re-” (again): redo, reenter
- “dis-” (opposite of): dislike, disappear
- “over-” (too much): overeat, oversleep
- “under-” (not enough): underweight, underestimate
- “pre-” (before): preheat, preschool
- “post-” (after): postscript, postwar
- Suffixes:
- “-ful” (full of): joyful, helpful
- “-less” (without): hopeless, useless
- “-ly” (in a certain way): happily, quickly
- “-ness” (state of being): happiness, kindness
- “-ing” (present participle): eating, talking
- “-ed” (past tense): ate, talked
- “-er” (comparative): bigger, faster
- “-est” (superlative): biggest, fastest