Making New Words

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This study examines around 200 prefixes and suffixes that form new words in contemporary English. Professor Dixon systematically discusses these forms while addressing numerous exceptions to general rules. For example, he explores why we say un-distinguished but in-distinguishable, or un-ceasing but in-cessant. The book begins with preliminary chapters that set the scene and outline the criteria used in the analysis. It covers the derivation of negative words, as well as derivations that do not change word class, including new verbs, adjectives, nouns, and adverbs. The final chapter focuses on combinations of suffixes and prefixes. Within each chapter, derivational affixes are organized into semantic groups, contrasting their meanings and functions, such as child-less versus child-free. Each affix is examined for its genetic origin (from Old English, Greek, Latin, French, etc.), phonological form, stress placement implications, and the roots it can attach to, along with its historical range of meanings. The author’s clear and organized writing style, complemented by examples from literature and media, makes this an invaluable resource for scholars and students of English language and linguistics, while also appealing to general readers curious about the intricacies of the language.