Back-formation

Back-formation is a process in linguistics where a new word is formed by removing an affix from an existing word. This often involves the removal of a suffix to create a new word that appears to be a base or root form. Back-formation is a type of word formation and is distinct from other processes such as compounding and blending.

Process

Back-formation typically involves the removal of a perceived affix from a longer word. For example, the verb "to edit" was formed from the noun "editor" by removing the "-or" suffix. This process often occurs because speakers mistakenly believe that the longer word is derived from the shorter one.

Examples

Some common examples of back-formation in English include:

• "Burgle" from "burglar"
• "Laze" from "lazy"
• "Donate" from "donation"
• "Enthuse" from "enthusiasm"

Significance in Linguistics

Back-formation is significant in the study of morphology because it illustrates how speakers can influence the evolution of language. It also shows how new words can be created through reinterpretation of existing words.

Related Concepts

• Affix
• Derivation (linguistics)
• Etymology
• Morphology (linguistics)
• Neologism
• Word formation

Related Pages

• Affix
• Derivation (linguistics)
• Etymology
• Morphology (linguistics)
• Neologism
• Word formation