Word Formation and Inversion (English 9)

Flashcards covering word formation concepts: word formation, word structure, inversion, derivation, conversion, compounds and subtypes, clipping, eponyms, and word-building puzzles from the notes.

What is word formation?

The process by which new words are formed; describes how word forms are created from roots and affixes.

What is word structure?

The arrangement of parts or elements of a sentence; the process by which new words are formed.

What is inversion in English?

A structure where the verb comes before the subject; used for forming questions and after certain words like 'here' and 'there'.

How is inversion used with 'here' and 'there'?

Inversion occurs when the verb precedes the subject, as in 'Here comes the bus.'

What is derivation?

A process to create new words by adding prefixes or suffixes to existing words, using affixes.

How is 'teacher' formed by derivation?

By adding the suffix -er to the verb 'teach'.

How is 'possibility' formed?

By adding the suffix -ity to the adjective 'possible'.

How is 'kindly' formed?

By adding the suffix -ly to the adjective 'kind'.

What is conversion in word formation?

Forming new words by changing the lexical category without changing the word’s phonology.

What is a compound word?

A word formed by joining two words; can be open (two words), hyphenated, or closed (one word).

Give an example of a hyphenated compound.

part-time (hyphenated).

Give an example of a closed compound formed from two words.

fingerprint (closed).

Give an example of a closed compound formed from two words.

classroom (closed).

Give an example of a closed compound formed from two words.

grandparents (closed).

Give an example of a closed compound formed from two words.

crossbow (closed).

Give an example of a closed compound formed from two words.

sunglasses (closed).

What is an endocentric compound?

A compound where the head (often the second word) determines the meaning; the first word modifies it (e.g., toothbrush).

What is an exocentric compound?

A compound whose meaning is not directly derived from its parts; no obvious head (e.g., turn-off, pickpocket).

What is a copulative compound?

A compound with two semantic heads; both meanings contribute (e.g., bittersweet, sleepwalk).

What is an appositional compound?

A compound that joins two terms with two contrasting attributes (e.g., writer-director, player-coach).

What is clipping?

Shortening a word by removing parts (e.g., ad from advertisement; exam from examination; condo from condominium).

What is an eponym?

A word derived from the name of a person or place; attribution to origin or discoverer.

Give an example of an eponym and its origin.

Volt — named after Alessandro Volta; Fahrenheit — named after Gabriel Fahrenheit; Watt — named after James Watt.

What is a historical eponym?

Derived from a significant historical figure or event.

What is a geographic eponym?

Named after a place or geographic location.

What is a mythological eponym?

Derived from characters or stories in myths and legends.

What is a scientific eponym?

Originates from scientific discoveries, medicine, or diseases.

What is a literary eponym?

From a figure in literature whose name is associated with particular traits.

What word is formed by sun + glasses?

sunglasses

What word is formed by lip + sticks?

lipsticks

What word is formed by pan + cake?

pancake

What word is formed by butter + fly?

butterfly

What word is formed by rain + bow?

rainbow