Which Affixes Mean “Without”? Select Two Options.
The first affix that signifies “without” is “un-.” This prefix is widely used and implies a negation or absence of something. For example, adding “un-” to the word “happy” transforms it into “unhappy,” indicating a lack of happiness. Similarly, attaching “un-” to words like “able” or “likely” creates their negative counterparts – “unable” and “unlikely.”
Another notable affix conveying the sense of “without” is “-less.” This suffix is an excellent indicator for lacking or being devoid of something. By attaching “-less” to words like “care,” we form the term “careless,” representing a state without care or concern. Likewise, combining “-less” with words such as “hope,” we obtain the word “hopeless,” denoting a situation where hope is absent.
Prefixes That Mean ‘Without’
When it comes to affixes that indicate the absence or lack of something, a couple of prefixes commonly carry this meaning. Let’s explore two options: “un-” and “non-“.
- “Un-“: This prefix is widely used to convey negation or absence. It signifies the opposite of a word or indicates that something is not present. For example:
- Unhappy: Not happy
- Unnecessary: Not necessary
- Unsuccessful: Not successful
- “Non-“: This prefix denotes the absence or lack of something but is more specific in its usage. It typically indicates the opposite or exclusion of a particular quality, condition, or category. Some examples include:
- Nonfiction: Literature based on facts rather than fictional content
- Nonprofit: An organization that operates for purposes other than making profit
- Nonsmoker: Someone who does not smoke cigarettes
“un-” and “non-” serve as effective prefixes to express the concept of being without something in various contexts.
Suffixes That Mean ‘Without’
Common Suffixes That Indicate ‘Without’
When it comes to understanding the meaning of “without” in affixes, a couple of common suffixes can help us decode these words. Let’s explore them below:
- -less: This is one of the most recognizable and commonly used suffixes indicating ‘without’. It can be attached to various root words to form new words that convey the absence or lack of something. For example:
- Fearless: Without fear
- Harmless: Without causing harm
- Endless: Without end
- -free: Another frequently encountered suffix denoting ‘without’ is ‘-free’. This affix implies freedom from a particular substance, condition, or limitation. Here are some examples:
- Sugar-free: Without sugar
- BPA-free: Without bisphenol-A (a chemical commonly found in plastics)
- Worry-free: Free from worries
Two Commonly Used Affixes Indicating ‘Without’
In addition to the more general ‘-less’ and ‘-free’ suffixes, there are two other affixes worth mentioning as they also convey the meaning of ‘without’:
- A-/An-: These prefixes, derived from Greek roots, are widely used in English to mean ‘not’ or ‘lack of’. They typically attach to adjectives or nouns. Take a look at these examples:
- Amoral: Without moral principles
- Anarchy: Absence of governmental authority
- Atheist: One who lacks belief in gods
- Un-: This prefix is another useful indicator for expressing negation or absence. It attaches mainly to adjectives and verbs, highlighting the opposite meaning or lack thereof. Consider these instances:
- Unhappy: Not happy
- Unseen: Not seen
- Undo: Reverse or negate the action
Understanding these suffixes and prefixes that convey the meaning of ‘without’ can greatly expand our vocabulary and help us decipher the intended message in various words. By recognizing these affixes, we can readily grasp the absence or negation implied by certain terms.
‘Without’ Affixes in Scientific Terms
Affixes Indicating ‘Without’ in Scientific Terms
In scientific terminology, several affixes indicate the concept of ‘without.’ These affixes provide a concise and precise way to describe the absence or lack of a particular element or condition. Two common affixes that convey this meaning are:
- A-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word “a-,” which means “without” or “not.” It is often used to denote the absence or negation of something. For instance, words like “asexual” (without sexual reproduction) and “amorphous” (lacking definite form) employ this prefix.
- Non-: The prefix “non-” comes from Latin and has a similar meaning to “not” or “lacking.” It is widely used scientifically to convey the absence of a specific characteristic. Examples include words like “nonpolar” (lacking polarity) and “nondisposable” (not capable of being disposed of).
By examining which affixes mean “without”, specifically focusing on prefixes like ‘un-‘ and ‘non-‘, we have gained valuable insights into how language can convey the absence or negation of certain qualities. This knowledge empowers us to communicate more effectively and appreciate the richness of linguistic diversity.
