back-formation

noun

Meaning

A linguistic process where a new word is created by removing what is perceived to be an affix from an existing, longer word.

Examples

  • The verb 'enthuse' is a classic example of back-formation from the noun 'enthusiasm'.
  • Linguists often study back-formation to understand how speakers simplify complex vocabulary over time.

Synonyms: derivation, morphological change, neologism, etymological process