affix
affix Lexical Profile
affix Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A grammatical morpheme, such as a prefix or suffix, that is attached to a base, stem, or root word to modify its meaning or create a new derivative word.
"In linguistics, prefixes and suffixes are the two most common types of affixes used to build new vocabulary."
Something that is attached, joined, or added to a larger object or document, such as an ornamental fixture or an appendage.
"The decorative bronze affix on the side of the ceramic vessel was typical of the region's ancient metalwork."
• verb
To attach, fasten, or stick one thing physically to another.
"Please affix a postage stamp to the upper right corner of the envelope before placing it in the mail."
To add or append a signature, seal, or official mark to a document in order to validate it.
"The notary public will affix her official seal and signature to the contract once both parties have signed."
Word Nuance & Usage
Like many two-syllable English noun-verb pairs, "affix" shifts stress according to part of speech: the noun is stressed on the first syllable (AF-fiks), whereas the verb is stressed on the second syllable (uh-FIKS).
• Rhymes for affix
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French affixer or directly from Medieval Latin affixare, a frequentative form of Latin affigere ('to fasten to'), from ad- ('to') + figere ('to fasten or fix').