nominalilles

Nominalilles is a term used in linguistic theory to denote a subclass of nominal forms that are derived from verbal or adjectival roots and function as independent nouns with a diminutive or light semantic load. The construction of nominalilles reflects a cross-linguistic pattern in which small or lightweight instances of actions or qualities are encoded through a productive derivational suffix often described as a diminutive.

Definition and morphology

Nominalilles are typically formed by affixation to a base word, most commonly a verb or an adjective. The resulting noun generally denotes a small, brief, or abstraction-rich instance of the base concept, and may participate in standard nominal syntax, including singular/plural marking and determiner use. In some languages, nominalilles fuse with additional morphophonological processes, such as reduplication or vowel harmony, to mark number, aspect, or definiteness.

Semantic and pragmatic roles

The semantic load of nominalilles is usually lighter than that of full nominalizations. They can convey endearment, familiarity, or casual reference to a small-scale exemplum of an action or quality. In discourse, nominalilles may function as units of measure of experience (a "sip" from a drink) or as terms of affection for objects and behaviors.

Cross-linguistic status and debate

Scholarly views differ on whether nominalilles constitute a distinct morphological category or are best understood as part of broader diminutive or nominalization systems. They are most often discussed in studies of languages with productive derivational morphology and rich suffix inventories.

See also: nominalization, diminutive, derivational morphology, morphosyntax.