What are affixes in linguistics?

Affixes in linguistics refer specifically to elements that attach to a base word to modify its meaning or create a new word. This includes prefixes, which are added to the beginning of a word, and suffixes, which are added to the end. For example, in the word "unhappiness," "un-" is a prefix that negates the base word "happy," while "-ness" is a suffix that turns an adjective into a noun, indicating a state or quality.

The other options do not pertain to affixes in linguistics. Independent words refer to standalone terms that do not require additional elements to convey meaning. Synonyms and antonyms relate to words with similar or opposite meanings, which does not relate to the concept of affixes. Complex sentences involve clauses that provide additional context but do not concern the structural components of words. Thus, recognizing that affixes are mainly about the addition of prefixes and suffixes clarifies their role in word formation and linguistic structure.