affix

1 of 2

verb

af·​fix ə-ˈfiks 

a-

affixed; affixing; affixes

transitive verb

1

: to attach physically

affix a stamp to a letter

2

: to attach in any way : add, append

affix a signature to a document

3

: impress

affixed my seal

affixable

ə-ˈfik-sə-bəl 

a-

adjective

affixation

ˌa-ˌfik-ˈsā-shən 

noun

affixment

ə-ˈfik-smənt 

a-

noun

affix

2 of 2

noun

af·​fix ˈa-ˌfiks 

1

grammar : one or more sounds or letters occurring as a bound form attached to the beginning or end of a word, base, or phrase or inserted within a word or base and serving to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form

The affix in the word "attendance" is "-ance."

2

: appendage

affixal

ˈa-ˌfik-səl 

adjective

or affixial

a-ˈfik-sē-əl 

Synonyms

Verb

• attach

Choose the Right Synonym for affix

fasten, fix, attach, affix mean to make something stay firmly in place.

fasten implies an action such as tying, buttoning, nailing, locking, or otherwise securing.

fasten the reins to a post

fix usually implies a driving in, implanting, or embedding.

fixed the stake in the ground

attach suggests a connecting or uniting by a bond, link, or tie in order to keep things together.

attach the W-2 form here

affix implies an imposing of one thing on another by gluing, impressing, or nailing.

affix your address label here

Examples of affix in a Sentence

Verb

affix a first-class stamp to the envelope

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories (subset of larceny) – The unlawful taking of any part or accessory affixed to the interior or exterior of a motor vehicle in a manner which would make the item an attachment of the vehicle or necessary for its operation. —Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 28 July 2025

Female mealybugs lay their eggs in fluffy white excretions affixed to the plant. —Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 27 July 2025

Noun

Magnetic spice racks are sets that come with a magnetic board or have magnets to affix to your current spices that can be placed on the fridge. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 July 2025

To get your letter stamped, simply follow these steps: Address your letter to your special person and affix a first-class mail postage stamp on the envelope. Place the envelope inside a larger envelope with proper postage. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

borrowed from Latin affīxus, past participle of affīgere "to fasten (to), attach," from ad- ad- + fīgere "to drive in, insert" — more at fix entry 1

Noun

borrowed from Middle French affixe "notice, placard, element added to the base or stem of a word (originally in Hebrew grammar)," borrowed from Latin affīxus, past participle of affīgere "to fasten (to), attach" — more at affix entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for affix

• graphics
• traffics
• demographics
• micrographics

Kids Definition

affix

1 of 2 verb

af·​fix ə-ˈfiks 

a-

1

: to attach physically : fasten

affix a stamp to a letter

2

: to attach in any way : add

affix a signature to a document

affix

2 of 2 noun

af·​fix ˈaf-ˌiks 

: a letter or a group of letters attached to the beginning or end of a word that serves to produce a derivative word or an inflectional form

Legal Definition

affix

transitive verb

af·​fix ə-ˈfiks, a- 

1

: to attach physically

2

: to attach or add in any way

affix a signature to a document

3

: to make by or as if by pressure

affix my seal