Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of attaching or affixing something: The process of physically fastening or joining one item to another.
   • Formation of a word by means of an affix: In linguistics, the process of creating a new word or form of a word by adding a prefix, suffix, or infix to a base word or root.
   • The result of adding an affix to a root word: The word or grammatical form that is produced through the process of affixation.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Act of attaching):
  • The affixation of the label to the package was done carefully.
  • Proper affixation of the stamp is required for the letter to be mailed.
• Noun (Linguistic process):
  • The word "unhappiness" is formed by the affixation of "un-" and "-ness" to the root "happy".
  • Affixation is a common method of word formation in English.
• Noun (Linguistic result):
  • "Runner" is an affixation derived from the verb "run".

Advanced Usage

• In linguistic morphology, is contrasted with other processes like compounding or conversion. It is a key concept for understanding how words are structured and how grammar functions in a language.

Variants and Related Words

• Affix (n/v): The element (prefix, suffix, infix) that is attached; or the act of attaching it.
  • Noun: "-ed" is a common verbal affix.
  • Verb: Please affix your signature here.
• Prefixation (n): The process of adding a prefix.
  • The creation of "untrue" is an example of prefixation.
• Suffixation (n): The process of adding a suffix.
  • The formation of "kindness" from "kind" involves suffixation.

Synonyms

• Attachment: The act of fastening something (for the first definition).
• Appending: Adding something to the end.
• Derivation: The linguistic process of forming a new word from an existing word (often through affixation).

Antonyms

• Detachment: The act of disconnecting or removing something.
• Removal: The process of taking something off.
• Root word / Base form: The core word before affixation occurs.

Noun

1. the act of attaching or affixing something
2. formation of a word by means of an affix
3. the result of adding an affix to a root word