An affix is a linguistic sequence that changes the meaning of a term.
An affix is a linguistic sequence that modifies the meaning of a concept . It can be a prefix (an affix that is placed in front of the term to be modified), a suffix (it is placed at the end of the term) or an infix (it is introduced in the middle of the word).
Before moving forward, it is important to analyze the etymological origin of the term. In this case, we can determine that it is a word that derives from the Latin affixus and that means "correctly placed particles." In the same way, we can indicate that it is the result of the sum of two clearly defined components:
- The prefix ad- , which can be translated as "towards" .
- The adjective fixus , which is equivalent to " fixed" .
Types of affixes
The prefix is an affix that is added to the beginning of a term to modify its meaning , giving rise to a derived word. If the prefix "post" is attached to the term "modern" , the concept of "postmodern" is created. This notion created from the affix "post" alludes to the characteristics of something that link it to a certain movement or style that developed in the 20th century : "This is one of the best postmodern artists on the Asian continent," "Criticism described the film as postmodern due to its theme" , "The Austrian author surprised with a postmodern and pessimistic book" .
The affix that is incorporated at the end of the term is known as a suffix . Thanks to suffixes, it is possible to convert an adjective into a noun . "Weakness" , to cite one case, is a noun that arises from the adjective "weak" and the suffix "ness" : "The American team has few weaknesses, but we are going to do everything possible to achieve a victory" , " "He knows my weakness and will try to take advantage of it," "I don't find any weakness in the project."
As for infixes , these affixes are not used in Spanish. On the other hand, in Semitic languages such as Hebrew and Arabic they are very common.
In Spain, the affix is a name given to a dog.
The concept in the canine field
In the same way, we cannot ignore that there is another meaning of the term affix at hand. Specifically, it is used in Spain within the canine field to refer to the name that the relevant body is requested to include in all the names of the dogs owned, regardless of their breed or pedigree.
It is a kind of "surname" for dogs with which they are identified with their owner. It must be emphasized that this affix is for life for the person or litter that has requested it, that no one can be the owner of more than one affix and that to be the owner of it it is essential to be the owner of the mother of the litter.
These applications for affixes are made from the Royal Canine Society of Spain to the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) , which has its headquarters in Belgium and is in charge of granting them.