What is an affix? (Linguistics)

Definition
	An affix is a bound morpheme that is joined before, after, or within a root or stem.

Discussion
	An affix is joined by derivation or inflection.

Kinds
	Here are some kinds of affixes:
	What is an infix? What is a prefix? What is a suffix? What is a circumfix? What is a simulfix? What is a suprafix? What is a separable affix? What is a derivational affix? What is an inflectional affix?

Comparison of kinds of affixes

Here is a table showing some kinds of affixes with examples:

Affix	Relationship to root or stem	Example
prefix	Occurs in the front of a root or stem	unhappy
suffix	Occurs at the end of a root or stem	happiness
infix	Occurs inside of a root or stem	bumili 'buy' (Tagalog, Philippines)
circumfix	Occurs in two parts on both outer edges of a root or stem	kabaddangan 'help' (Tuwali Ifugao, Philippines)
simulfix	Replaces one or more phonemes in the root or stem	man + plural > men
suprafix	Superimposed on one or more syllables in the root or stem as a suprasegmental	stress in the words 'produce, n. and pro'duce, v.

Concept module: affix
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): A
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004