prefix
prefix.
Morphology (n.) An affix added before a word or base (2) to form a new word. Contrasted with suffix and infix (see affix).
Prefixes are primarily semantic in their effect, changing the meaning of the base. Common prefixes include:
counter-productive (M20) | defrost (L19) |
disconnect (L18) | forewarn (ME) |
hyperactive (M19) | international (L18) |
miniskirt (M20) | malfunction (E20) |
non-event (M20) | rebuild (L15) |
subzero (M20) | undernourished (E20) |
unnatural (LME) |
(v.) Place before a word or base, especially so as to form a new word.
• prefixation.
1991 P. H. MATTHEWS Processes of affixation may then be divided into prefixation, suffixation or infixation…In English the commonest processes are those of suffixation…Examples of prefixation are found, however, in the Negative formations of happy → un + happy…or of order → dis + order.
See also derivation; word formation.
