Prefix derivation (prefixation): what is it, examples

THE prefix derivation is the type of derivation in which if add prefixes to the root of the word, in order to create other terms, such as:

• nouns
• adjectives
• verbs

Read too: Improper derivation - changing the grammatical class of a word without changing the form

What is prefix derivation?

Prefix derivation, also called prefixing, is one in which, based on the root of an original term, add one prefix to create words. In other words, an affix is ​​added before the stem (hence called a prefix), generating a new term based on that one.

In Portuguese, the most common prefixes are of Latin or Greek origin.

Prefix Derivation Examples

In prefixal derivation, prefixes added to the stem give rise to new words.

In prefix derivation, the original word stems are kept completely or partially, while prefixes give them new meanings. Notice, in the examples below, how each prefix adds its own meaning to generate the derived word:

Word primitive	Word derivative
mobile	selfmobile
happy	inhappy
arm	beforearm
migrate	andmigrate, imigrate
run	perrun
to read	reto read
author	coauthor
concept	preconcept
Score	againstScore
to do	desto do
version	introversion

Read too:Regressive derivation - reduction of the original word to form a new one

solved exercises

Question 1 - (Funrio - adapted) The word that does not have a prefix is:

A) unfair

B) discredit

C) reveal

D) viscount

E) evil

Resolution

Alternative E. The word “evil” actually has a suffix but not a prefix.

Question 2 - (Acep - adapted)

Tick ​​the alternative where "infra" NO is prefix.

A) Offender

B) Offense

C) Inframediocre

D) Infraglottic

E) Infraplaced

Resolution

Alternative B. The word “infrato” is not made up of the prefix “infra”.

By Guilherme Viana
grammar teacher

Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/derivacao-prefixal-prefixacao.htm