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.