Affixes are morphemes that are added to a base word or root to modify its meaning or create a new word. They can be classified into several categories:
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Prefixes: These are added to the beginning of a word. For example, "un-" in "uncertainty" indicates negation.
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Suffixes: These are added to the end of a word. For example, "-ness" in "happiness" turns the adjective "happy" into a noun.
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Infixes: Although less common in English, infixes are inserted within a word. An example can be seen in some informal uses, such as "un-freaking-believable."
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Circumfixes: These encompass both a prefix and a suffix that together modify the word. They are more common in languages other than English.
Affixes can change the grammatical function of a word (e.g., turning a noun into an adjective) or adjust its meaning (e.g., indicating tense, number, or degree). Overall, affixes are essential tools in word formation and allow for the expansion of vocabulary within a language.
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