Derivational Affix
Definition:
A derivational affix is an affix by means of which one word is formed (derived) from another. The derived word is often of a different word class from the original.
Discussion:
In contrast to an inflectional affix, a derivational affix:
- is not part of an obligatory set of affixes
- generally occurs closer to the root
- generally is more meaningful, and
- is more likely to result in a form that has a somewhat idiosyncratic meaning.
Examples:
(English)
- Joyful
- Joyfulness
- Stapler
See Also:
Source:
This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library. Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003.