Word Formation Processes

Definition

Word formation processes6[1], on the other hand, refer to the specific methods or strategies used to create new words in a language. These processes apply morphological rules to generate new vocabulary and adapt to the communicative needs of speakers.

Fundamental

Common word formation processes [1]include:

  1. Derivation: Adding affixes to a base word to create a new word.

  2. Compounding: Combining two or more words to form a new word.

  3. Conversion[2]: Changing a word's part of speech without altering its form.

  4. Blending: Merging parts of two words to create a new word.

  5. Clipping: Shortening a word.

  6. Borrowing: Adopting words from other languages.

  7. Coinage[3]: Creating entirely new words, often for brand names or technological terms.

Types of word formationInformation[4]

Example

  1. teach → teacher (Derivation).

  2. book + shelf → bookshelf (Compounding).

  3. email [noun] → email [verb] (Conversion).

  4. brunch from breakfast + lunch (Blending).

  5. advertisement → ad (Clipping).

  6. sushi from Japanese (Borrowing).

  7. Google (Coinage).

Introduction to Morphology [bin]