Oregon Educator Licensure Assessments (ORELA) Practice Exam

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What does the term "affix" refer to?

An automatic recognition of words
Words that frequently appear in print
Attachment to a stem word
Particular modes of expression

The correct answer is: Attachment to a stem word

The term "affix" refers to a linguistic element that is attached to a root or stem word to create a new word or alter its meaning. Affixes can be prefixes (attached to the front of a root word) or suffixes (attached to the end of a root word). By attaching an affix to a stem word, the meaning of that word can change; for example, adding "un-" to "happy" creates "unhappy," indicating the opposite. This process is fundamental in word formation and morphology, allowing for the expansion of vocabulary and nuanced meaning in language. The other options do not accurately describe what an affix is. Automatic recognition of words pertains more to reading and comprehension processes. Words that frequently appear in print describe high-frequency vocabulary rather than word formation, and particular modes of expression relate to stylistic elements rather than the technical aspect of affixes in linguistics.