Back-formation
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˌbæk.fɔːˈmeɪ̯.ʃən/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Back-formation is a noun meaning (countable) A word created in this way.
Meaning
(countable) A word created in this way.
More Meanings
- (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.
Example Sentences
Back-formations, such as tambour (for “play the tambourine”), are a staple of comedic wordplay.
Word Forms
- back-formations
- backformation
Synonyms for back-formation
Depending on context, synonyms include back-form.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include back-form, derivation, conversion, reborrowing, backtranslation, re-etymologization.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.