Overview
This lecture introduces affixes, which are word parts added to the beginning or end of base words to change their meanings.
What Are Affixes?
- Affixes are small word parts that can be attached to base words to create new words.
- They make the English language flexible by allowing new word formations.
Prefixes
- Prefixes are affixes added to the beginning of a word.
- Examples include "re-" (again), "un-" (not), and "dis-" (not or opposite).
- "Pre-" (before) is another example, as in "prefix".
Suffixes
- Suffixes are affixes added to the end of a word.
- Examples include "-ful" (full of), "-ly" (in a way), "-less" (without), and "-ness" (state of being).
- Suffixes can be added to words that already have other suffixes (e.g., "hopeful" + "-ness" = "hopefulness").
Combining Affixes
- You can combine prefixes and suffixes to create new words and meanings.
- Making up new words with affixes can help in understanding how they change word meanings.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Affix — A word part added to a base word to change its meaning.
- Prefix — An affix attached to the beginning of a word (e.g., "unhappy").
- Suffix — An affix attached to the end of a word (e.g., "joyful").
- Root/Base Word — The main part of a word to which affixes are added.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study provided lists of common prefixes and suffixes.
- Practice making new words using affixes for better understanding.