Definition
Derivation is the formation of a new word or inflectable stem from another word or stem. It typically occurs by the addition of an affix.
The derived word is often of a different word class from the original. It may thus take the inflectional affixes of the new word class.
Discussion
In contrast to inflection, derivation:
- is not obligatory
- typically produces a greater change of meaning from the original form, and
- is more likely to result in a form which has a somewhat idiosyncratic meaning.
- often changes the grammatical category of a root
Examples
(English)
Kindness is derived from kind.
Joyful is derived from joy.
Amazement is derived from amaze.
Speaker is derived from speak.
National is derived from nation.
Kinds
More specific concepts within derivation.
Sources 5
- Crystal 1985, 89
- Mish 1991, 342
- Hartmann and Stork 1972, 62
- Bybee 1985, 81–82, 99
- Payne, T. 1997a, 25–26