What is a derivative?

Introduction
	In the lexical database, a derivative is usually entered as a subentry. Only irregular, semantic derivatives are entered as separate major entries.

Definition

A derivative is a stem that is formed by combining a root with an affix that adds a component of meaning that is more than just inflectional.

The meaning of a derivative is determined by its context, not its parts.

Also known as:

derived form, derived stem

Discussion
	A derivative is a stem formed by derivation, a morphosyntactic operation.

Kinds

Here are some kinds of derivatives:

Grammatical derivatives
Example:
Nominalized stems, such as encouragement from encourage

Adverbialized stems, such as courageously from courageous
Semantic derivatives

Example:
nominalized stems, such as generation from generate

See also
	Filling out a subentry

Concept module: derivative
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): D
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004