Affixation to Conversions

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There are many ways new words are created. This section explores some of those possibilities. Useful definitions are:

Affixation includes prefixes and suffixes: eg 'inter + national'; 'govern + ment' Combined or compound words are two words, lexemes* or units of meaning put together, eg 'make + over'; 'off + side'. Blends are mixed words, such as Lewis Carroll's 'slithy' which is a blend of slimy and lithe. Conversion is the use of a word as a different part of speech, eg trial (noun) becomes a verb 'to trial'. It gives the word an extra job description.

* a lexeme is a unit of meaning which may be part of a word or may be more than one word 'wash up' or 'piece of cake' (= easy)

Affixation means using prefixes and suffixes:

a. Prefixes

Match the following prefixes with suitable partners, either from the pull-down list or using a word of your own.

Use a dictionary if you are uncertain of any of the words.

What job does each prefix do?

Now look at the exercises on the next page.

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