affix
Americanverb (used with object)
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to fasten, join, or attach (usually followed byto ).
to affix stamps to a letter.
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to put or add on; append.
to affix a signature to a contract.
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to impress (a seal or stamp).
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to attach (blame, reproach, ridicule, etc.).
noun
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something that is joined or attached.
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Grammar. a bound inflectional or derivational element, as a prefix, infix, or suffix, added to a base or stem to form a fresh stem or a word, as -ed added to want to form wanted, or im- added to possible to form impossible.
verb
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to attach, fasten, join, or stick
to affix a poster to the wall
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to add or append
to affix a signature to a document
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to attach or attribute (guilt, blame, etc)
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of affix
1525–35; < Latin affīxus fastened to (past participle of affīgere ), equivalent to af- af- + fīg- fasten + -sus, variant of -tus past participle suffix
Explanation
When you affix something, you stick it on to something else. You might affix a stamp to a letter or affix colorful stickers to your notebook. The verb affix often refers to physically attaching something — like when you affix a label onto a folder — but it can be used more broadly to describe adding on something. You might affix your signature to a contract. If you like grammar, you might already know that the noun form of affix refers to letters or words that can be tacked onto other base words to alter their meaning. For example, the prefix un- is an affix.
Vocabulary lists containing affix
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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Language and Grammar - Introductory
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Common Core Grades 7–8, List 1
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Affix the two patches to the jeans with straight pins to hold them in place.
From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2020
Affix the wrong bullnose and the shaft could break.
From New York Times • Oct. 14, 2017
Dad shrugs, unable to keep up with this new subterfuge, probably mentally spent from our rousing game of Affix the Affliction.
From Salon • May 21, 2016
Affix a piece of cardboard, parallel with the table, to the upper end of the pencil.
From Time Magazine Archive
Affix a small cluster of stamina to the point, and in various directions the five smallest petals; insert among these two or three clusters of the stamina.
From The Royal Guide to Wax Flower Modelling by Peachey, Emma
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
