Derivation and composition are the two processes that underlie word formation. They are classified as follows:
derivation process - prefixal, suffixal, parasynthetic, inappropriate and regressive.
composition process - juxtaposition and agglutination.
The difference between derivation and composition is in the way they form words.
In the composition, words are formed by joining radicals, for example: parasol. The word parasol is formed by two radicals: guard + sun. Radical is the part of the word that contains its meaning, that is, we can say that it is the most important part.
In derivation, one of the simplest ways to form words is to add prefixes and suffixes, for example: solar. The word solar is formed by adding a suffix to the stem: sun is the stem and -ar is the suffix.
Derivation Processes
Prefix derivation (or derivation) - words are formed by adding prefixes (element that comes before the stem, for example: anti-, des-, -in, -re, sub-).
Prefix derivation examples:
- anti-inflammatory (anti + inflammatory)
- disloyal (dis+loyal)
- incapable (in + able)
- save (re + save)
- assistant manager (sub + manager)
Suffix derivation (suffixation) - words are formed by adding suffixes (element following the stem, for example: -ada, -act, -ar, -mind, -ista).
Examples of suffix derivation:
- hammer (hammer + ada)
- foliage (leaf + act)
- interview (interv + ista)
- simply (simple + mind)
- dentist (dent + ista)
parasynthetic derivation (parasynthesis) - words are formed by adding prefixes (eg a-, en-es-) and suffixes (eg -ecer, -ar, -oar) in the same process. This means that in order to have parasynthesis, both a prefix and a suffix must be added to the word.
Examples of parasynthetic derivation:
- dawn (at + morning + sunrise)
- evening (en + tar + ecer)
- heat up (es + hot + air)
- bless (a + bless + air)
- impoverish (in + poor + ecer)
improper derivation - words are formed without any additions, changing only their grammatical class (for example: an adverb that becomes a noun).
Examples of improper derivation:
- What a weird walk… (“Walk” is a verb that, in this case, has a noun value.)
- I'm zero in math. (“Zero” is a numeral which, in this case, has a noun value.)
- I'll take care of dinner! (“Dinner” is a verb which, in this case, has a noun value.)
- I miss the blue of the sea. (“Blue” is an adjective which, in this case, has a noun value.)
- don't give him a no, please. (“No” is an adverb of negation, but the word “no” in bold has noun value.)
regressive derivation - words are formed by the reduction of a primitive word and thus give rise to a derived word.
Examples of regressive derivation:
- attack (it arises from the verb “attack”, which is the primitive word)
- agitate (it arises from the verb “to shake”, which is the primitive word)
- debate (it arises from the verb “to debate”, which is the primitive word)
- diving (it arises from the verb “mergular”, which is the primitive word)
- work (it arises from the verb “to work”, which is the primitive word)
Composition Processes
Composition by juxtaposition - words are formed by the union of two or more radicals, without any changes in their sounds, that is, without phonetic changes.
Examples of composition by juxtaposition:
- hot dog (dog + hot)
- nest egg (foot + de + sock)
- hobby (pass + time)
- umbrella (umbrella + rain)
- kick (kick + foot)
Composition by agglutination - words are formed by the union of two or more radicals, but they undergo changes.
Examples of composition by agglutination:
- vinegar (wine + acrid)
- plateau (flat + high)
- though (in + good + time)
- nobleman (son + of + something)
- brandy (water + burning)
For you to know more:
word formation
Word Formation Exercises