First Known Use: 1533
Dictionary
1affix
verb af·fix \ə-ˈfiks, a-\
: to attach (something) to something else
Full Definition of AFFIX
transitive verb
1
: to attach physically <affix a stamp to a letter>
3
: impress <affixed my seal>
— af·fix·able \-ˈfik-sə-bəl\ adjective
— af·fix·a·tion \ˌa-ˌfik-ˈsā-shən\ noun
— af·fix·ment \ə-ˈfik-smənt, a-\ noun
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Origin of AFFIX
Latin affixus, past participle of affigere to fasten to, from ad- + figere to fasten — more at fix
Synonym Discussion of AFFIX
fasten, fix, attach, affix mean to make something stay firmly in place. fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing <fasten the reins to a post>. fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding <fixed the stake in the ground>. attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together <attach the W-2 form here>. affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing <affix your address label here>.
2affix
noun af·fix \ˈa-ˌfiks\
grammar : a letter or group of letters added to the beginning or end of a word to change its meaning : a prefix or suffix
Full Definition of AFFIX
1
: one or more sounds or letters occurring as a bound form attached to the beginning or end of a word, base, or phrase or inserted within a word or base and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form
See affix defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of AFFIX
1612
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
AFFIXABLE Defined for Kids
1affix
verb af·fix \ə-ˈfiks\
af·fixedaf·fix·ing
Definition of AFFIX for Kids
1
: to attach firmly <Affix the stamp to the envelope.>
2
: to add to something else <He affixed his signature to the letter.>
2affix
noun af·fix \ˈa-ˌfiks\
Definition of AFFIX for Kids
: a letter or group of letters (as a prefix or suffix) that comes at the beginning or end of a word and has a meaning of its own
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