BACK-FORMATION Meaning and
Definition
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Back-formation is a linguistic process in which a new word is created by removing what appears to be a suffix or affix from an existing word. It involves the creation of a shorter word by subtracting a perceived morpheme. This process typically occurs when speakers mistakenly identify a presumed suffix and assume that the resulting shortened word is the root of the original word. While the new word may seem to resemble an earlier derivation, it is, in fact, a new creation.
Back-formation often arises due to a misconception or misanalysis of words, with speakers assuming that a shorter form is the base word and that the longer form was derived by the addition of a suffix. This linguistic process commonly occurs when speakers form a new verb by subtracting what looks like a suffix from an existing noun. For instance, the verb "edit" was formed by back-formation from the noun "editor", and "televise" was derived from "television".
Back-formation is a productive mechanism in English, resulting in the creation of numerous words. However, it is important to note that not all back-formations are widely accepted or recognized in the dictionary. The evolving nature of language means that not all new creations become permanently adopted. Nevertheless, back-formation remains an important phenomenon in the study of language evolution and word formation.
Common Misspellings for BACK-FORMATION
- vack-formation
- nack-formation
- hack-formation
- gack-formation
- bzck-formation
- bsck-formation
- bwck-formation
- bqck-formation
- baxk-formation
- bavk-formation
- bafk-formation
- badk-formation
- bacj-formation
- bacm-formation
- bacl-formation
- baco-formation
- baci-formation
- back0formation
- backpformation
Etymology of BACK-FORMATION
The term "back-formation" was first coined in the early 20th century, combining the words "back" and "formation".
The word "back" indicates a reversal or movement in the opposite direction, while "formation" refers to the process of creating something. In this context, "formation" relates to the creation or emergence of a new word.
The concept of back-formation specifically refers to the creation of a new word by removing or deducing an apparent (but non-existent) affix from an already existing word. For instance, the noun "babysitter" led to the creation of the verb "babysit", through the removal of the "-er" suffix. This kind of word formation is considered to be a back-formation.
Similar spelling word for BACK-FORMATION
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