Question

what is a word that has both a prefix and a suffix. Then discuss the morpheme. How does the meaning change when adding prefixes or suffixes?

Answer 1

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:
1. **Prefix "un-"**: When added to "happy," the prefix changes the meaning to its opposite, creating "unhappy," which means not happy or sad.

2. **Root "happy"**: Without any affixes, this word conveys a positive state of being contented or joyful.

3. **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.