Word Formation: Prefixes and Suffixes

Definition And Examples

• Prefixes: Affixes added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning.

  • Example: "un-" in "unhappy" (not happy).

• Suffixes: Affixes added to the end of a word to change its form or meaning.

  • Example: "-ly" in "quickly" (in a quick manner).

Word Formation Rules

1. Adding Prefixes:

   • Does not change the word's part of speech.
   • Example: "rewrite" (verb) from "write" (verb).

2. Adding Suffixes:

   • Often changes the part of speech.
   • Example: "happiness" (noun) from "happy" (adjective).

3. Spelling Changes:

   • Sometimes, the root word may undergo spelling changes when affixed.
   • Example: "bake" to "baking" (e drop).

4. Combination of Prefixes and Suffixes:

   • Can be used together.
   • Example: "unhappiness" (not happy state).

Impact On Word Meaning

• Prefixes can indicate negation, direction, size, or time.

  • Example: "dis-" in "disagree" (not agree).

• Suffixes can indicate tense, plurality, or part of speech.

  • Example: "-ed" indicates past tense in "walked".

• Complex meanings can reflect in combined prefixes and suffixes.

  • Example: "irresponsibility" (not responsible state).

Common Prefixes And Suffixes

• Common Prefixes:

  • "un-" (not): unhappy, unfair
  • "re-" (again): redo, rewrite
  • "dis-" (opposite of): dislike, disconnect
  • "pre-" (before): preview, prehistory
  • "mis-" (wrongly): misunderstand, misplace

• Common Suffixes:

  • "-ing" (action/process): running, swimming
  • "-ed" (past tense): walked, jumped
  • "-ly" (manner): slowly, quickly
  • "-ness" (state/condition): kindness, darkness
  • "-ful" (full of): joyful, helpful

Definition And Examples

• Prefixes: Affixes added to the start of a word, altering its meaning. Example: "un-" in "unhappy" signifies "not happy."
• Suffixes: Affixes located at the end of a word, affecting its form or meaning. Example: "-ly" in "quickly" indicates "in a quick manner."

Word Formation Rules

• Adding Prefixes:
  • Retains the original part of speech. Example: "rewrite" remains a verb, derived from "write."
• Adding Suffixes:
  • Typically alters the part of speech. Example: "happiness" transforms "happy" (adjective) into a noun.
• Spelling Changes:
  • Root words may experience spelling modifications when prefixes or suffixes are added. Example: "bake" becomes "baking" (dropping the e).
• Combination of Prefixes and Suffixes:
  • Can occur simultaneously in a single word. Example: "unhappiness" conveys the state of being not happy.

Impact On Word Meaning

• Prefixes: Indicate negation, direction, size, or time. Example: "dis-" in "disagree" means to not agree.
• Suffixes: Provide information about tense, plurality, or change the part of speech. Example: The suffix "-ed" in "walked" denotes past tense.
• Complex Meanings: When prefixes and suffixes combine, they can create intricate meanings. Example: "irresponsibility" denotes the state of being not responsible.

Common Prefixes And Suffixes

• Common Prefixes:

  • "un-" (not): unhappy, unfair
  • "re-" (again): redo, rewrite
  • "dis-" (opposite of): dislike, disconnect
  • "pre-" (before): preview, prehistory
  • "mis-" (wrongly): misunderstand, misplace

• Common Suffixes:

  • "-ing" (action/process): running, swimming
  • "-ed" (past tense): walked, jumped
  • "-ly" (manner): slowly, quickly
  • "-ness" (state/condition): kindness, darkness
  • "-ful" (full of): joyful, helpful