Q1.Explain the process of word formation in English with reference to derivation, compounding and blending. Give suitable examples.
Word formation is the process by which new words are created in a
language. In English, this process allows the language to evolve and adapt by
generating new vocabulary. The three main methods of word formation are:
Derivation
Definition:
Derivation is the process of forming a new word by adding prefixes or suffixes
to a base (root) word.
Types of Affixes:
- Prefixes – added before the root word (e.g., un-,
re-, dis-)
- Suffixes – added after the root word (e.g., -ness,
-ful, -ly)
Examples:
|
Root Word |
Prefix/Suffix |
New Word |
Meaning |
|
happy |
un- |
unhappy |
not happy |
|
help |
-ful |
helpful |
full of help |
|
kind |
-ness |
kindness |
the quality of being kind |
|
create |
re- |
recreate |
to create again |
|
joy |
-ous |
joyous |
full of joy |
2. Compounding
Definition:
Compounding is the process of joining two or more independent words to
form a new word.
Types of
Compounds:
- Closed compound: written as one word (e.g., toothpaste)
- Hyphenated compound: joined by a
hyphen (e.g., mother-in-law)
- Open compound: written as separate words (e.g., post
office)
Examples:
|
First Word |
Second Word |
Compound Word |
Meaning |
|
sun |
light |
sunlight |
light from the sun |
|
note |
book |
notebook |
a book for taking notes |
|
ice |
cream |
ice cream |
a frozen dessert |
|
class |
room |
classroom |
a room where classes are held |
|
time |
table |
timetable |
a schedule showing times |
3. Blending
Definition:
Blending involves combining parts of two (or more) words to form a new
word, often taking the beginning of one word and the end of
another.
Examples:
|
Word 1 |
Word 2 |
Blended Word |
Meaning |
|
breakfast |
lunch |
brunch |
a late morning meal |
|
smoke |
fog |
smog |
polluted fog, especially in cities |
|
motor |
hotel |
motel |
a roadside hotel for motorists |
|
information |
entertainment |
infotainment |
media that informs and entertains |
|
spoon |
fork |
spork |
a utensil that combines spoon and fork |
Conclusion:
Word formation
processes like derivation, compounding, and blending
enrich the English language and help it adapt to changing contexts and needs.
These methods not only expand vocabulary but also reflect creativity and
efficiency in communication.
