Circumfix Morphology Explained

A circumfix is a type of affix consisting of two parts, one that attaches to the beginning (prefix) and one that attaches to the end (suffix) of a base word. Together, these two parts form the circumfix.

Analyzing Word Pairs for Circumfixes

Let's examine each option:

• Option 1: $enlighten$, $embolden$
  • $enlighten$: The base word is $light$. It is formed with the prefix $en-$ and the suffix $-en$. This pair of affixes surrounds the base.
  • $embolden$: The base word is $bold$. It is formed with the prefix $em-$ and the suffix $-en$. This pair of affixes surrounds the base.
  • Both words in this pair utilize a circumfix structure.
• Option 2: $enquiring$, $inquiring$
  • $enquiring$: This word has the prefix $en-$ and the suffix $-ing$ attached to the base $quire$.
  • $inquiring$: This word has the prefix $in-$ and the suffix $-ing$ attached to the base $quire$.
  • These words use prefixes and suffixes, not circumfixes.
• Option 3: $transformation$, $transportation$
  • $transformation$: The base word is $transform$. The suffix $-ation$ is added.
  • $transportation$: The base word is $transport$. The suffix $-ation$ is added.
  • These words are formed using suffixes, not circumfixes.
• Option 4: $reduced$, $repeated$
  • $reduced$: The base word is $reduce$. The suffix $-ed$ is added (past tense/participle).
  • $repeated$: The base word is $repeat$. The suffix $-ed$ is added (past tense/participle).
  • These words are formed using suffixes, not circumfixes.

Conclusion

The pair of words $enlighten$ and $embolden$ are the only ones formed using circumfixes ($en-$ + base + $-en$ and $em-$ + base + $-en$).