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: The word "babysit" is derived from the noun "babysitter." However, through back-formation, the verb "babysit" was created by removing the "-er" suffix from "babysitter."
2. Edit: The verb "edit" is derived from the noun "editor." Back-formation occurred by removing the "-or" suffix from "editor" to create the verb "edit."
3. Enthuse: The verb "enthuse" is derived from the adjective "enthusiastic." Back-formation took place by removing the "-tic" suffix from "enthusiastic" to create the verb "enthuse."
4. Televise: The verb "televise" is derived from the noun "television." Back-formation occurred by removing the "-ion" suffix from "television" to create the verb "televise."
5. Resurrect: The verb "resurrect" is derived from the noun "resurrection." Back-formation took place by removing the "-ion" suffix from "resurrection" to create the verb "resurrect."
6. Diagnose: The verb "diagnose" is derived from the noun "diagnosis." Back-formation occurred by removing the "-sis" suffix from "diagnosis" to create the verb "diagnose."
7. Orient: The verb "orient" is derived from the noun "orientation." Back-formation took place by removing the "-ion" suffix from "orientation" to create the verb "orient."
8. Donate: The verb "donate" is derived from the noun "donation." Back-formation occurred by removing the "-ion" suffix from "donation" to create the verb "donate."
9. Resign: The verb "resign" is derived from the noun "resignation." Back-formation took place by removing the "-ation" suffix from "resignation" to create the verb "resign."
10. Enforce: The verb "enforce" is derived from the noun "enforcement." Back-formation occurred by removing the "-ment" suffix from "enforcement" to create the verb "enforce."
These examples illustrate how back-formation can lead to the creation of new words by removing apparent affixes from existing words.