THE improper derivation it is a process of word formation. Among these processes, we have the derivation, in general, which occurs when the root of a word is kept while the rest of its form is changed, generating a new word. The improper derivation, specifically, is one of the possible processes of formation of new words, being they new nouns, adjectives, among other classes different from the original word.
Read too: What are connecting vowels and consonants?
What is improper derivation?
Improper derivation is one of the possible processes of word derivation, that is, when a word generates another from its stem. In improper derivation, the derived word holds the form from the word from which it originated; although, the meaning is different, as is the part of speech, indicating that it is a new word. In other words, there is no change in the word structure, there is no addition of affixes or subtraction of any part of the word.
Examples of improper derivation
There are several examples of improper derivation in the Portuguese language. It is common that they manage
derived nouns, but this is not a rule, as we will see below.Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
Noun derived from adjective
Some nouns are derived from words that originally functioned as adjectives. Examples: capital, natural, circular.
The word “Venetian” is originally an adjective (referring to who or what originates in Venice, Italy), but it also generated the noun that has the same form with a specific meaning:
- This mask is shutter. (adjective)
- How beautiful shutter! (substantive)
Noun derived from verb
Any verb can easily give rise to a noun in certain contexts, when adding a article before the word. Examples: dinner, pleasure, to do.
- Let's go dinner tomorrow? (verb)
- O dinner It is on the table! (substantive)
adjective derived from noun
It is also very common for adjectives to derive from words that originally functioned as a noun. Examples: model, donkey, cat.
The word "cat" is an example of a word with multiple meanings, since the original meaning (primitive noun indicating the animal) generated another noun (derived noun, which means a clandestine installation) and also a derived adjective, indicating that someone is very beautiful.
- how beautiful yours cat! (primitive noun)
- he made a cat, but this is illegal. (derived noun)
- He is very cat! (adjective)
adjective derived from verb
Some adjectives are formed from certain verb forms.
- This story was known for all. (verb)
- She is very known, the smartest of our group. (adjective)
Conjunction derived from verb
It is the case of conjunction "would you like... would you like...".
- He would you like go away she would you like to stay. (verb)
- Would you like agree, would you like disagree, it was the best thing to do. (conjunction)
See too: Additive conjunctions - words that link terms or clauses bringing a sense of addition
Exercises solved
Question 1 - (UFMG) In which alternative does the highlighted word result from an improper derivation?
A) At seven o'clock in the morning the main work began: a vote.
B) little pear I was right. Secrecy... Secret vote... Nonsense, nonsense!
C) No radical remodeling of the electoral law, elections would remain a farce!
D) They didn't change one this of prose, and they understood each other.
E) Dr. Osmírio would walk disoriented, but snorting with anger.
Resolution
Alternative D. The word “this” is originally a pronoun, but it was used as a noun, starting from an improper derivation.
Question 2 - Read the statements below, observe the highlighted words and make the correct classification, indicating when it is an improper derivation.
A) She didn't appreciate that dinner.
B) We left for dinner day before yesterday.
C) The horse was black and quiet.
OF black his gaze mesmerized everyone.
Is that dumb was very stubborn.
F) Your friend is not dumb, stop calling him that.
Resolution
A) Noun – improper derivation.
B) Verb.
C) Adjective.
D) Noun – improper derivation.
E) Noun.
F) Adjective – improper derivation.
By Guilherme Viana
grammar teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
VIANA, William. "Improper derivation"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/derivacao-impropria.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
