What are affixes in language?

Affixes in language are specifically defined as morphemes that attach to a root word to modify its meaning or create a new word. They can be categorized primarily into prefixes, which are added to the beginning of root words, and suffixes, which are added to the end. For example, in the word "unhappiness," "un-" is a prefix that negates the root word "happy," and "-ness" is a suffix that turns "happy" into a noun indicating a state or condition. This modification of meaning is essential in language as it allows for nuanced expression and the formation of various stages of related meanings within a family of words.

Root words alone do not encompass the full range of modifications that affixes can provide. Words without meaning and consonant clusters, while related to different aspects of linguistics, do not accurately describe what affixes are or how they function in word formation. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the integral role that prefixes and suffixes play in enhancing the richness and complexity of language.