Word Formation Questions Medium
Back-formation is a process in word formation where a new word is created by removing what appears to be an affix from an existing word. This process involves the creation of a shorter word by removing a supposed affix, which is actually not a true affix but rather a part of the original word.
The process of back-formation typically occurs when speakers mistakenly analyze a word as having a derivational affix, when in fact it does not. This misconception leads to the creation of a new word by removing the perceived affix.
For example, the word "editor" is often mistakenly believed to have the derivational suffix "-or" attached to it. Based on this misconception, the word "edit" is created through back-formation by removing the perceived suffix "-or". However, in reality, "editor" is not derived from "edit" but rather both words have a common origin.
Back-formation can also occur with nouns that are mistakenly believed to have a derivational suffix "-er" or "-or" attached to them. For instance, the noun "television" is often mistakenly analyzed as having the suffix "-er" or "-or" attached to it. This misconception leads to the creation of the verb "televise" through back-formation by removing the perceived suffix.
In summary, back-formation is a process in word formation where a new word is created by mistakenly removing what appears to be an affix from an existing word. It is a result of a misconception about the structure of the original word, leading to the creation of a new word through the removal of the perceived affix.