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English Word Formation
English Word Formation
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Prefixation
Characteristics of prefixes
Generally they do not alter the word class of the base. They are normally written together with the base as a single word. Main stress falls normally on the base. They can be grouped according to their meaning.
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Negative Prefixes
un- unfair, unadorned, unfortunately. non- non-conformist, non-existent. in- invisible, illogical, impossible, irresponsible. a(n)- amoral, atheist. dis- disloyal, disobey, disfavour
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Reversible Prefixes
un- undo, undress, unhorse. de- defrost, depoliticize. dis- discouraging, disheartened,desinterested.
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Pejorative Prefixes
mis- mishear, misconduct, misleading, misrepresentation. mal- maltreat, malformed, malfunction. pseudo- pseudo-scientific, pseudo- classicism.
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Prefixes of attitude
co- cooperative, cohabit, co-director, co-proprietor. counter- counter-espionage, counter-attack. anti-/pro- anti-nuclear, anti-democracy.
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Locative Prefixes
super- super-structure. sub- subway, subconscious, subdivide. inter- international, intermarry, interwave, interplay. trans- transatlantic, transplant.
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Number Prefixes
uni-/mono- monosyllable, unilateral. bi-/di- dichotomy, bifocal. multi-/poly-/pluri multiracial
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Conversion Prefixes
be- bewigged, bewitch, bedazzle, befriend ( a dog ). en-/em- endanger, empower. a- afloat.
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To Summarize
Negative Prefixes. Reversible Prefixes. Pejorative Prefixes. Prefixes of degree and size. Prefixes of attitude. Locative prefixes. Prefixes of time and order. Number Prefixes. Conversion Prefixes.
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Suffixation
Characteristics of suffixes
They normally alter the word type of the base. Suffixes rarely have a distinct meaning on their own. They change the word into which they are included into another part of speech. They can be classified according to the speech part they form, or according to the type of base they are added to.
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Noun Suffixes
Occupational. -eer engineer, auctioneer. -ster gangster, gamester, trickster. -er Londoner, banker
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Noun Suffixes
Diminutive and feminine. -let booklet, owlet, piglet. -ette cigarrette, kitchenette. -ess countess, hostess. -y Johnny, daddy, pussy.
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Noun Suffixes
Quantity. -ful handful, spoonful
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Noun/adjective Suffixes
-ite Israelite, Rafaelite. -(i)an Shakespearian, Elizabethan. -ese Japanese. -ist novelist, violinist, typist. -ism Cummunism, Imperialistm.
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De-verbal Suffixes
-er worker, onlooker, drinker. -ant inhabitant, occupant. -ation operation, exploration. -ment arrangement, argument. -al approval, refusal -ing swimming, living, painting, building. -age package, peerage, shortage. -ee trainee, employee.
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De-adjectival Suffixes
-ness goodness, happiness, selfishness. -ity/-able/-ible/-al readable, readability, sentimental, sentimentality.
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Verb Suffixes
-ify certify, identify. -ize scandalize, organise. -en blacken, sadden.
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Adjective Suffixes
-able readable, drinkable. -al chemical, criminal, special. -ful beautiful, plentiful. -ed blue-eyed, odd-shaped. -en wooden, leaden. -ic Germanic, specific. -ish foolish, boyish, snobbish. -less helpless, hopeless. -like friendly, child-like
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Adverb Suffixes
-ly happily, freely, instantly. -wards onwards, eastwards. -wise clockwise.
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To Summarize Suffixes
Noun Suffixes. Noun/Adjective suffixes. De-verbal suffixes. De-adjectival suffixes. Verb suffixes. Adjective suffixes. Adverb suffixes.
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Characteristics of compounds
The can be written together (solid), separately or with a hyphen. Phonologically are identified as for having the main stress on the first element.
blackbird _____,_____ a species of bird. blackbird _____ _____ a bird which is black
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Compound adjectives
They are made up of two or more words, usually written with hyphens between them. They may be qualitative classifying or colour adjectives.
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Compound Verbs
They are usually written with an hyphen. Pattern formation: noun + verb sky-dive verb + noun shun-pike verb + verb freeze-dry adjective + verb double-book particle + verb overbook
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Compound verbs used in transitive or intransitive clauses: Bottle-feed sight-read Mass-produce spring-clean Short-circuit tie-dye
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