Glossary of Linguistic Terms

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