What is a 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

Kinds
	Here are some kinds of derivational affixes:
	What is a productive affix? What is an unproductive affix?

Generic
	A derivational affix is a kind of
	What is an affix? (Linguistics)

Sources
	Hartmann and Stork 1972 62
	Crystal 1985 89
	Mish 1991 342
	Bybee 1985 81–82, 99

Context for this page:

Concept module: derivational affix
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

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