Word Formation Questions Long
Back-formation is a process in which a new word is created by removing what appears to be an affix from an existing word. This process typically occurs when speakers mistakenly analyze a word as being derived from another word with a suffix, when in fact the reverse is true. Here are some examples of words that undergo back-formation:
1. Babysit: This word is derived from the noun "babysitter." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "baby" and remove the supposed suffix "-er" to create the verb "babysit."
2. Edit: The verb "edit" is derived from the noun "editor." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "edition" and remove the supposed suffix "-ion" to create the verb "edit."
3. Enthuse: This verb is derived from the noun "enthusiasm." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "enthusiastic" and remove the supposed suffix "-ic" to create the verb "enthuse."
4. Burgle: This verb is derived from the noun "burglar." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "burglary" and remove the supposed suffix "-ary" to create the verb "burgle."
5. Televise: This verb is derived from the noun "television." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "television" and remove the supposed suffix "-ion" to create the verb "televise."
6. Resurrect: This verb is derived from the noun "resurrection." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "resurrection" and remove the supposed suffix "-ion" to create the verb "resurrect."
7. Diagnose: This verb is derived from the noun "diagnosis." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "diagnosis" and remove the supposed suffix "-is" to create the verb "diagnose."
8. Orient: This verb is derived from the noun "orientation." However, speakers mistakenly analyze it as a verb derived from "orientation" and remove the supposed suffix "-ion" to create the verb "orient."
These examples illustrate how back-formation can occur when speakers mistakenly analyze the structure of words and create new words by removing what appears to be a suffix.