lijksuffix

Lijksuffix is a term used in discussions of derivational morphology to denote a suffix intended to mark resemblance or similarity to a base form. It is not a widely standardized label in mainstream linguistics and does not appear in major reference grammars. The term tends to surface in writings about constructed languages, theoretical typology, or worldbuilding rather than in comprehensive studies of natural languages.

Origin and usage

The name is typically described as a coinage combining a notion of likeness with a suffixal element. In hypothetical descriptions, a stem X may take a lijksuffix to form Xlijk, understood as “like X” or “having the property of being like X.” The precise behavior of the suffix—its productive range, semantic nuances, and phonological realization—varies across theoretical setups and is not fixed.

Morphology and semantics

Lijksuffix is usually presented as a derivational marker that yields adjectives (and sometimes related nominal adjectives) expressing resemblance or appearance. In some accounts, it signals a characteristic associated with the base rather than a strict literal similarity. Allomorphy, when discussed, is described as following the host language’s phonotactics, with realizations adapting to consonant or vowel endings.

Cross-linguistic status

There is no consensus that lijksuffix constitutes a cross-linguistic category. Its discussion remains largely niche or hypothetical, with natural-language equivalents commonly described using existing devices such as English -like or Dutch -achtig, or through compound construction rather than a dedicated suffix.

See also

- like suffix

- -ish

- -achtig

- derivational morphology

Note

This article describes a term encountered mainly in speculative or constructed-language contexts and should be corroborated with specific sources when used in practice.