A prefix is a word part placed before a stem. Prefixes can change a word’s meaning and, in some languages, contribute grammatical information. This lesson explains how prefixes work and compares examples from English and other languages.
A prefix is an affix attached before the stem of a word. A stem is the part that carries the central meaning to which an affix is added. A suffix, by contrast, is placed after the stem. In a word with both a prefix and a suffix, the prefix occurs before the stem and the suffix after it.
All flashcards
What is a prefix?
A prefix is an affix attached before a word stem. It is usually a bound morpheme, meaning it normally does not function as an independent word.
How do inflection and derivation differ?
Inflection changes a word’s grammatical form while retaining its basic meaning and lexical category. Derivation creates a word with a new meaning and may also change its lexical category.
Does English have inflectional prefixes?
No. English uses suffixes for inflection. English prefixes generally form different words, as *un-* does in *unhappy*.
What do Japanese prefixes o- and go- commonly communicate?
They are commonly used in the honorific system to mark politeness and respect toward the person or thing being discussed, and they may also be used euphemistically.
What can German prefix er- express?
It often marks successful completion, can sometimes indicate the beginning of an action, and can form verbs from adjectives.
Quiz questions
Where is a prefix positioned in relation to a word stem?Answer: Before the stem.
What grammatical information do prefixes convey in Bantu languages?Answer: They convey noun class, which is reflected in agreement.
What role do required non-syllabic prefixes play in Navajo verbs?Answer: One of four forms is required to build a verb theme.
What can German prefix ur- mean when attached to nouns?Answer: Original or primitive.
How do Russian prefixes compare with suffixes in noun formation?Answer: They are less common, but they alter a word’s meaning.
Based on the Wikipedia article Prefix, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.