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At first glance, the words affixes, prefixes, and suffixes can seem a little confusing. However, these grammatical elements of the English language are essential for forming words and conveying meaning clearly and accurately. On this page, we will look at the meaning of prefixes and suffixes, both of which fall under the broader category of affixes.
Affix: Prefix and Suffix
An affix is 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 a modified form of that word. An affix consists of a prefix and a suffix.
Prefix
A prefix is a type of affix that is attached to the beginning of a root word. There are many different prefixes that are extremely common in the English language, and they often change the meaning of the base word.
Suffix
A suffix is very similar to a prefix in that it is a group of letters attached to the root of a word. However, in this case, the letters are added to the end of the word rather than the beginning. Suffixes often change the word’s grammatical function or add additional meaning.
Prefixes and Suffixes
Examples of Prefixes
Below are some common prefixes and examples of words in which they are used. These examples will help you better understand how prefixes function in everyday English.
- un- – this prefix means not or expresses a negative idea. Examples include unreal, untidy, unbreakable, unreliable.
- re- – this prefix refers to something happening again. Examples include revive, renew, replay, regenerate.
- dis- – this prefix means not, away, or separate. Examples include disappear, disregard, disengage.
- pre- – this prefix means before. Examples include prepare, premeditate, prefix, prejudice.
- mis- – this prefix means wrong or bad. Examples include misconception, miscarriage, mistake, misjudge.
- en- – this prefix means to make or to put into. Examples include enforce, enslave, encourage, engrave.
- anti- – this prefix means against. Examples include anticlockwise, antibiotic, antisocial.
- co- – this prefix means with or together. Examples include co-worker, co-operate, co-author.
- de- – this prefix means down, off, or away from. Examples include defame, defer, degenerate.
- fore- – this prefix means before or in advance. Examples include forehead, foresee, forewarn.
- mono- – this prefix means one or single. Examples include monopoly, monotone, monolingual.
- para- – this prefix means beside or related to. Examples include paraphrase, parachute, paramedic.
- sub- – this prefix means under or below. Examples include submarine, subtitle, subway.
- trans- – this prefix means across or beyond. Examples include transatlantic, transport, transparent.
Examples of Suffixes
Here are some common suffixes, along with examples to show how they function in words and sentences.
- -acy – this suffix refers to a state or quality. Examples include accuracy, democracy.
- -dom – this suffix refers to a state, condition, or domain. Examples include freedom, kingdom, stardom.
- -ism – this suffix refers to a belief, practice, or ideology. Examples include Hinduism, Buddhism, escapism.
- -ist – this suffix refers to a person who performs an action or follows a belief. Examples include journalist, typist, lyricist.
- -ness – this suffix indicates a state or quality. Examples include happiness, kindness, gratefulness.
- -en – this suffix means to become or to make. Examples include deepen, harden, strengthen.
- -ful – this suffix means full of. Examples include beautiful, useful, plentiful.
- -ish – this suffix describes a quality or characteristic. Examples include childish, stylish, bluish.
- -ive – this suffix describes a quality or tendency. Examples include active, informative, invasive.
- -ing – this suffix is used to form present participles and gerunds. Examples include running, taking, relaxing.
- -ly – this suffix is commonly used to form adverbs. Examples include quickly, softly, angrily.
- -ward / -wards – this suffix refers to direction. Examples include forward, backward, towards.
Example Sentences of Prefixes
- 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 a co-pilot?
- He will determine what the problem is.
- You have a lump on your forehead.
- The man used a parachute when the plane crashed.
- I completely submerge myself when I swim.
- My friend is flying transatlantic.
Example Sentences of Suffixes
- 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
Using prefixes and suffixes is a powerful way to expand vocabulary and express meaning more precisely. By adding a prefix or a suffix, you can modify or extend the meaning of a base word. Both prefixes and suffixes belong to the wider category of affixes and play an essential role in English word formation.
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