Metaderivation

Metaderivation is a concept in linguistics that refers to the process by which new words or meanings are derived from existing words or meanings. This process can occur at various levels, including phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic levels. Metaderivation is a broader category that encompasses both derivation and compounding, which are more specific types of word formation.

Derivation involves the creation of new words by adding affixes (prefixes or suffixes) to existing words. For example, the word "unhappy" is derived from "happy" by adding the prefix "un-". Compounding, on the other hand, involves combining two or more existing words to form a new word. For example, the word "blackboard" is a compound of "black" and "board".

Metaderivation can also occur at the syntactic level, where new meanings are created by combining existing words in novel ways. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" has a new meaning that is not directly derived from the meanings of "kick" and "bucket".

At the semantic level, metaderivation can involve the creation of new meanings through metaphor, metonymy, or other figurative language devices. For example, the phrase "time is money" is a metaphor that creates a new meaning by comparing two unrelated concepts.

Metaderivation is a fundamental aspect of language that allows speakers to express new ideas and concepts. It is a dynamic process that continues to shape and evolve language over time.