A good example of a word that has both a prefix and a suffix is "unhappiness."
Breakdown of Morphemes:
- Root/Base Word: "happy" (the core meaning of the word related to a state of joy or contentment)
- Prefix: "un-" (meaning not or opposite of)
- Suffix: "-ness" (indicating a state or quality)
Meaning of the Morphemes:
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Prefix "un-": When added to "happy," the prefix changes the meaning to its opposite, creating "unhappy," which means not happy or sad.
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Root "happy": Without any affixes, this word conveys a positive state of being contented or joyful.
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Suffix "-ness": When attached to "unhappy," it transforms the adjective into a noun—"unhappiness." This indicates the state or quality of being unhappy, referring to the overall condition of experiencing sadness.
Meaning Change:
- "Happy": Indicates a state of joy.
- "Unhappy": Indicates the opposite; a state of sadness.
- "Unhappiness": Refers to the condition or quality of being in that state of sadness.
Thus, the addition of the prefix "un-" reverses the meaning of the root word, and the suffix "-ness" converts the adjective into a noun, allowing for the expression of a state of being rather than just a description. Each morpheme modifies the meaning of the base word, showcasing how prefixes and suffixes can significantly alter definitions and grammatical roles in the English language.
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