Word Formation Questions
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 is done by mistakenly assuming that the affix is part of the original word when it is actually a result of a different word formation process. For example, the noun "editor" was formed from the verb "edit" through back-formation, as it was mistakenly assumed that the "-or" suffix was part of the original word. Back-formation often occurs when speakers analyze words based on their perceived structure rather than their etymology.