What is the primary function of an affix in a word?

An affix is used primarily to alter the meaning of a word. Affixes are modifications that can be added to the base or root of a word, such as prefixes (added to the beginning) and suffixes (added to the end). These modifications can change the original meaning, provide grammatical function, or transform a word into a different part of speech. For example, adding the prefix "un-" to "happy" changes its meaning to "not happy," which is a clear alteration of the original word's meaning. This demonstrates how affixes play a crucial role in enhancing the richness and functionality of language by expanding the meanings that can be conveyed.