| derivation |
| Definition:
The use of affixes to create new words. Note: This contrasts with inflection where affixes are used to form variants of words that are not neologisms (e.g., run becomes runs). |
| Example:
(1) the suffix -ness changes adjectives to nouns (e.g., quick becomes quickness). (2) the suffix -ise changes adjectives into verbs (e.g., modern become modernise) |
| Etymology: The term derives from the Latin derivare, to draw off (a stream of water) from its source (from de rivo, from steam). |
| Oxford English Dictionary: Its first citation in this sense is from 1530: "Derivatyon or formation, that is to saye, substantyves somtyme be fourmed of other substantyves." (Palsgr. 68) |