Which process describes creating a new word by adding a prefix or suffix to an existing word?

Which process describes creating a new word by adding a prefix or suffix to an existing word?

• A. Affixation
• B. Compounding
• C. Blending
• D. Borrowing

Answer: (A)

This question tests how new words are made by adding prefixes or suffixes to an existing word. That specific process is called affixation, where an affix attached at the front (prefix) or end (suffix) changes meaning or part of speech, producing a derived form. For example, adding un- to happy gives unhappy, or adding -ness to happy yields happiness. This is distinct from compounding (putting two words together, like notebook), blending (merging parts of words, like brunch), and borrowing (taking a word from another language). So adding a prefix or suffix to an existing word best describes affixation.

This question tests how new words are made by adding prefixes or suffixes to an existing word. That specific process is called affixation, where an affix attached at the front (prefix) or end (suffix) changes meaning or part of speech, producing a derived form. For example, adding un- to happy gives unhappy, or adding -ness to happy yields happiness. This is distinct from compounding (putting two words together, like notebook), blending (merging parts of words, like brunch), and borrowing (taking a word from another language). So adding a prefix or suffix to an existing word best describes affixation.