affix
C1formal/technical
Definition
Meaning
to attach, stick, or fasten something to something else
In linguistics, a morpheme added to a word to change its meaning or grammatical function (prefix, suffix, infix)
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has both a physical sense (attaching objects) and a linguistic sense. The linguistic sense is more common in educated usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Physical sense slightly more common in UK English; linguistic sense equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Medium-low frequency in general usage; higher frequency in academic/linguistics contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
affix something to somethingaffix something (with adhesive)be affixed to somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Please affix your signature to the contract before returning it.
Academic
The researcher examined how derivational affixes change word class in Old English.
Everyday
I need to affix this poster to the noticeboard.
Technical
In morphological analysis, we distinguish between prefixes, suffixes, and infixes as types of affixes.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You must affix a first-class stamp before posting.
- The label should be affixed to the packaging securely.
American English
- Please affix your signature on the dotted line.
- They'll affix the plaque to the building tomorrow.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form
American English
- No adverb form
adjective
British English
- No adjective form
American English
- No adjective form
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Affix the stamp to the envelope.
- The notice was affixed to the door.
- You need to affix your official seal to the document.
- In grammar class, we learned about different types of affixes.
- The linguist analyzed how inflectional affixes mark tense and number.
- Before submitting, ensure you affix all required attachments to the application.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A FIX' – you fix something to another thing. In linguistics, it's a 'fix' to a word.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTACHMENT IS ADDITION (both physical and linguistic senses involve adding something to a base)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Don't confuse with 'фикс' (fix/repair). The Russian equivalent is usually 'прикреплять' for physical sense, 'аффикс' for linguistic sense.
- In linguistics, 'affix' is specifically 'аффикс' not 'окончание' (which is 'inflectional ending').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'affix' instead of 'stick' in informal contexts sounds unnatural.
- Pronouncing it /ˈæfɪks/ (wrong stress). Correct: /əˈfɪks/.
- Confusing verb and noun forms: 'an affix' (noun) vs 'to affix' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
In linguistics, what is an 'affix'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Affix' is more formal and often implies a permanent or official attachment. 'Attach' is more general and common in everyday language.
Yes, in linguistics, 'affix' is commonly a noun meaning a prefix, suffix, or infix.
Yes, both are pronounced /əˈfɪks/ in both British and American English.
Prefixes (before the stem: un-, re-), suffixes (after the stem: -ness, -able), and infixes (within the stem, rare in English).