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/ˌbæk.fɔːˈmeɪ̯.ʃən/ · noun
(uncountable, linguistics) The process by which a new word is formed from an older word by interpreting the former as a derivative of the latter, often by removing a morpheme (real or perceived) from the older word, such as the verb burgle, formed by removing -ar (perceived as an agent-noun suffix) from burglar..
Back-formations, such as tambour (for “play the tambourine”), are a staple of comedic wordplay.
Use back-formation when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.
Back-formation means (uncountable, linguistics) The process by which a new word is formed from an older word by interpreting the former as a derivative of the latter, often by removing a morpheme (real or perceived) from the older word, such as the verb burgle, formed by removing -ar (perceived as an agent-noun suffix) from burglar..
Common synonyms include back-form.
The opposite depends on the specific sense.
Back-formations, such as tambour (for “play the tambourine”), are a staple of comedic wordplay.
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