Nature of Word Formation
1. What Word Formation Is
Word formation = processes by which new words are created from existing morphemes (smallest meaning units). Understanding it helps decode unknown technical terms without dictionary.
2. Major Processes (exam list — 7 with example)
| Process | How | Example (general → technical) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Affixation (prefix/suffix) | Add prefix before root or suffix after | un- + stable → unstable, -logy (study) → biology |
| 2. Compounding | Join two roots | software, hardware, greenhouse, earthquake |
| 3. Conversion (zero derivation) | Change word class without affix | to email (verb from noun email), to google |
| 4. Clipping/Shortening | Cut part of word | lab from laboratory, ad from advertisement, app |
| 5. Blending | Merge parts of two words | brunch (breakfast+lunch), biotech (biology+technology), modem (modulator-demodulator) |
| 6. Acronymy/Abbreviation | Initial letters | LASER (Light Amplification...), CPU |
| 7. Borrowing | Take from other language | algorithm (Arabic al-Khwarizmi), robot (Czech) |
3. Why It Matters for Technical Vocabulary
Many engineering terms are formed via affixation + compounding + acronymy: **micro-**processor, **tele-**communication, bio-mechanics, nanotechnology.
4. Worked Illustration
"transistor" = trans + istor? Actually transfer + resistor → transistor (blend)
"internet" = inter (between) + net (network) → compound with prefix
"unbreakable" = un- (not) + break + -able (can) = can not be broken
Check formation: "decentralization" = de- + central + -ize + -ation
5. Exam Points
- Define word formation and list 5–7 processes with example — 5-7 marks, very frequent (the most common word formation question).
- Give affixation vs compounding distinction — 3-5 marks, frequent.
- Show acronym vs clipping — 3 marks.
- Analyze technical term into morphemes — 5 marks, frequent.