affix

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "affix" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of attaching something (usually a seal or signature) to a document or other item. For example, "She affixed her signature to the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of these, the most widespread throughout the languages of the world is affixation; i.e., the attachment of an affix to a base.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This sense of preciousness has already infected the new studio building across the street, where students have been told not to affix anything to the gleaming white walls, in order to keep architect's "driven void" light-wells sacrosanct.

The Guardian - Arts

At our house the only visible indicator of my Jewishness is a mezuzah: a small, ritual capsule that Jews affix to their doorposts (ours has a leopard-print design and came from Paris).

The Economist

They put gates at the top of stairs, affix cushions to table corners and jam plastic guards into sockets to stop small fingers from getting electrocuted.

The Economist

Five corporate sponsors paid a record $13.2m to affix their logos to the contest, with Tecate beer alone accounting for $5.6m.

The Economist

LOCKED in a vault within the North Carolina Department of Revenue is a lickable bit of Kafka: a government-issued stamp that is expected to remain unpurchased, but which users of illegal goods must, by law, affix to substances they are not allowed to possess.North Carolina is one of about 20 states that tax illegal drugs.

The Economist

The businessman is depicted by federal investigators as keen to affix to his wonder product the imprimatur of respected scientists and first-rank research universities.

The Economist

The next step is for the nations signing up to the accord to do so, and to affix to it any commitments they are making, which is due to happen by February 1st.At that point, it appears, various steps to implement the accord and distribute the money that it speaks of can begin.

The Economist

He found thatPeople who devoted years of arduous study to a topic were as hard-pressed as colleagues casually dropping in from other fields to affix realistic probabilities to possible futuresand that better-known forecasters - those most likely to be feted by the media - performed less well than their lower-profile colleagues.

The Economist

They are the sorts of informational labels that galleries affix to the back of works they show.

The New York Times - Arts

In a country of pinmakers, to take Adam Smith's seminal example, someone must still cut, draw and straighten the wire; fashion and affix the head; then whiten and sheath the finished product, if any pins are to be made at all.In the second great unbundling, production is spliced and diced into separate fragments that can be spread around the globe.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "affix" in a formal context, ensure that it accurately conveys the sense of attaching something important, such as a signature or seal, to a document. Overusing it in casual conversation might sound overly formal.

Common error

Avoid using "affix" in casual contexts where simpler words like "attach" or "stick" would be more appropriate. "Affix" often implies a more formal or permanent type of attachment.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "affix" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning (e.g., "affix the label"). It can also function as a noun, particularly in linguistics, referring to a morpheme attached to a stem. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "affix" can function as both a verb and a noun, with its primary use being to describe the action of attaching or fastening something, often implying a sense of formality or permanence. As a noun, it commonly refers to linguistic elements. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While alternatives like "attach" or "append" exist, "affix" retains its distinct nuance. Using "affix" appropriately enhances the precision of expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attach

This alternative focuses on the physical connection or joining of two items.

append

This alternative suggests adding something as a supplement or complement.

fasten

This alternative implies securing something firmly in place.

add

This alternative denotes the act of joining or combining something to something else.

secure

This alternative emphasizes making something stable and unlikely to move or be lost.

stick

This alternative implies adhering one thing to another, often with an adhesive.

annex

This alternative suggests adding something, often a territory or document, to an existing entity.

subjoin

This alternative means to add at the end or in a subordinate position.

implant

This alternative suggests fixing something firmly and deeply.

graft

This alternative means to attach a part of one thing to another, often in the context of plants or skin.

FAQs

How to use "affix" in a sentence?

You can use "affix" to describe attaching something physically, such as "affix a label to the package", or metaphorically, like "affix blame on someone". Consider the context to choose the most fitting verb.

What can I say instead of "affix"?

You can use alternatives like "attach", "append", or "fasten" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "affix" or "attach"?

"Affix" and "attach" are often interchangeable, but "affix" tends to imply a more deliberate or formal action. "Attach" is more general and can be used in a broader range of situations.

What's the difference between "affix" and "prefix"?

"Affix" is a general term for attaching something. In linguistics, "prefix" refers specifically to a morpheme added to the beginning of a word to modify its meaning. So, a "prefix" is a type of "affix".