What is an Affix?
What does affix mean? An affix literally “fix”es itself to a root word or a stem word. An affix changes the
meaning of a word.
An affix may be attached to the beginning or the end of a root or stem word. If an affix is attached to the
beginning of a word, it is called a prefix. If an affix is attached to the end of a word, it is called a suffix.
Some root or stem words may have both an affix and a suffix or multiple affixes and suffixes in order to
make new words and to change the meaning of the root or stem word. Affix Examples: stem word: like
with affix (prefix): unlike stem word: like with affix (suffix): likely Different Types of Affixes The two
most common types of affixes are prefixes and suffixes. What are Prefixes?
Prefixes are a type of affix. Prefixes are “pre” (before) “fixed (attached) to a root or stem to create a new
word with a new meaning. Prefixes themselves are not words. They must be attached to a root or a stem in
order to create new words. Here is a list of common prefixes and their use in sentences: pre- (before)
The outcome was predetermined. The outcome was determined before mis- (wrong) That word
is misspelled. The word is spelled wrong non- (not) The noise was nonstop. The noise did not stop.
un- (not) His work was unsatisfactory. His work was not satisfactory dis- (lack of, not) They
were displeased. They were not pleased. in- (not) The work was incredible. The work was not
believableNOTE: This example uses the prefix to attach to the root “cred” (believe). A suffix “-ible” (able
to) is also attached to the root. What are Suffixes?
Suffixes are a type of affix. Suffixes are “suf”
(under/after) “fix”ed (attached) to a root or stem to create a new word with a new meaning. Suffixes
themselves are not words. They must be attached to a root or a stem in order to create new words. Here is
a list of common suffixes and their use in sentences: -ly (like) She was wonderfully She was striking
like wonder -able (able to) The part is adaptable. The part is able to adapt -ible (able to) The writing
was incomprehensible. The writing was not able to be comprehended. -er (noun, someone who)- (not)
His work was unsatisfactory. His work was not satisfactory -ful (full of) The flower is beautiful. The
flower is full of beauty -less (without) The old television was worthless. The old television was
without worth
Hyphenating Prefixes, You may have seen prefixes used before words that are hyphenated. This means that
they are not part of the word but rather are hyphenated before the word they intend to modify. Words take
hyphenated prefixes when they are used to describe a word but do not make an actual word when attached.
For example: anti-business NOT antibusiness “anti-“ (against) connected to “business” does not create a
real word. Therefore, to say that someone is against business you might say that he is anti-business
pre-World War II. This example is similar to the first. Together these words do not make a word. Therefore,
the prefix must be hyphenated. NOTE: This is something that experienced writers can get away with
because they are referring to concepts more than writing words themselves. Novice writers should shy away
from incorporating hyphenated prefixes into their writing.
Hyphenating with Suffixes
Similarly, may have seen hyphenated suffixes used at the end of words. This means that they are not part
of the word but rather are hyphenated after the word they intend to modify. Hyphenated suffixes are very
rare. Hyphenated suffixes are used to describe a word that does not make an actual word when attached.
Some concepts do take hyphenated suffixes. –style They purchased a Mediterranean-style home. –elect Joe
Smith may become the President-elect. –free The eggs are hormone-free.-based His theory is biology-
based. Hyphenated suffixes are also used when the last letter of the word is same as first letter of the suffix.
graffiti-ism. Summary: What are Affixes? Define affix: The definition of affix is one or more letters or
syllables attached to the beginning or end of a word to change the word’s meaning. In summary, An affixes
an attachment to a stem or root word. These include prefixes and suffixes. There are some cases where a
prefix or suffix might be hyphenated when they attach to a word but that is usually not the case
