What are affixes?

Affixes are linguistic elements that attach to root words and include both prefixes and suffixes. They play a crucial role in altering the meanings of words. A prefix is added to the beginning of a root word, while a suffix is added to the end. Together, they can change the meaning or function of the root word in significant ways. For example, by adding the prefix "un-" to the word "happy," it transforms into "unhappy," indicating the opposite. Similarly, adding the suffix "-ed" to the verb "walk" changes it to "walked," indicating the past tense. Understanding affixes is essential for developing vocabulary and enhancing reading comprehension, as they allow readers to deduce meanings of unfamiliar words based on their components.