Look around the dictionary and you will find numerous words that date their origin to some previous decades. That is, they are not as old as the English Language itself. So, how have these words formed so recently? Well, most of them have separated from a pre-existing word. This original word is also known as their source word, and the new words formed are known as Back-formation words.
What is a Back-formation?
Back-formation is a minor word-formation process, but it holds a special position among the other types of the word formation process. In fact, you will be surprised to know, it is the opposite of most processes. Instead of adding affixes to words, in the back-formation process, affixes are removed from original words to create new words. This results in new, shorter, and less complex words of the English vocabulary.
Examples of Back-Formation Words
Have a look at some frequently used back formation words and their original source words.
| Back Formation Word | Source Word |
| Abduct | Abduction |
| Addict | Addiction/Addicted |
| Absorb | Absorption |
| Advisor | Advisory |
| Aggress | Aggression |
| Aviate | Aviation |
| Bulldoze | Bulldozer |
| Translate | Translation |
| Hazy | Haze |
| Snowy | Snow |
| Drowse | Drowsy |
| Injure | Injury |
| Resurrect | Resurrection |
| Scavenge | Scavenger |
| Destroy | Destruction |
| Survey | Surveillance |
Not only these, many back formation words are created from professions/occupations with reference to the people involved. Here are some common examples.
| Back Formation Word | Source Word |
| Artist | Art |
| Architect | Architecture |
| Gambler | Gamble |
| Actor/Actress | Act |
| Creator | Create |
| Babysitter | Babysit |
| Donate/Donator | Donation |
| Beggar | Beg |
| Pedlar | Peddle |
| Kidnapper | Kidnap |
| Editor | Edit |
| Bird-watcher | Bird-watching/ Bird |
| Caretaker | Care-taking/care |
It was fun to know the origin of these familiar words, isn’t it! We know you must be craving for more fun activities and information by now. Check out our activity worksheets and printable section on EnglishBix and grab the sets of your choice. You will love those activities. Plus, you will learn and practice some important concepts in your fun time.