Regressive derivation: what is it, examples, exercises

THE regressive derivation it is a process of word formation. THE derivation, in general, is a process of word formation in which a word can generate another from its root. Regressive derivation, specifically, is a type of derivation in which there is a reduction of part of the original word to generate a new one.

See too: Composition - word formation process that joins words or radicals

What is regressive derivation?

The regressive derivation is a type of derivation in which the root of the original word remains, but there is shape reduction, that is, some of its parts are subtracted from the original word to generate a new word.

This type of derivation stands out from the most common derivations, in which there are additions of affixes (prefixes and/or suffixes) to the original words.

Regressive Derivation Examples

The regressive derivation takes place through the formation of new words from the reduction in the form of the original word.

Regressive derivation is commonly associated with the formation of nouns derived from

verbs (also called deverbal nouns). Note how the removal of a morpheme from the verb to form the derivative noun:

CANT THER

radical + thematic vowel + verbal ending

The verb to sing gives rise to a derived noun: the word “song”:

CANT O

radical + nominal ending

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In this case, there was a reduction in the form of the word. Many other verbs also generate new ones. nouns from the regressive derivation. Watch:

CHANGETHER

CHANGEO CHANGETHE

The verb “to exchange” generates two nouns:

• boy, did you forget the Thing!
• That replacementcan it still be done today?

See some more cases of regressive derivation that generate deverbal nouns and note that the ending Nominal can occur with vowel O, A or E, depending on each case:

verb	substantive derivative
cuddle	cuddling
appeal	appeal
purchase	purchase
to cry	cry
cut	cut
debate	debate
err	error
to fish	fishing
to sustain	sustenance
sell	sale

Also, the regressive derivation is very common in colloquial language, forming new ones Slang and idiomatic expressions in the Portuguese language. See some examples:

substantive primitive	substantive derivative
tavern	bar
beer	doe
Portuguese	portuguese
television	had

Read too: What are cognate words?

solved exercises

Question 1 - (UFPR) The formation of the underlined word in the expression “the corner of the mermaids” is:

A) composition by juxtaposition.

B) regressive derivation.

C) prefixal derivation.

D) suffix derivation.

E) primitive word.

Resolution

Alternative B. The word “song” is a noun derived from the verb “sing”, a process that occurs through a regressive derivation.

Question 2 - Read the statements and fill in the blanks with a derived word of which is asked in parentheses by means of regressive derivation.

A) She made a very moving ________. (appeal)

B) You need to speak to the manager to perform this ________. (to exchange)

C) That candidate did not attend any ________! (debate)

Resolution

A) appeal.

B) exchange.

C) debate.

By Guilherme Viana
grammar teacher

Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:

VIANA, William. "Backward bypass"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/derivacao-regressiva.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.