yyssuffixi

yyssuffixi is a hypothetical derivational suffix used in linguistic typology and in constructed language grammars to illustrate how suffixes can create abstract nominal forms from verb or adjective stems. It is not tied to a single natural language and is mainly employed in teaching materials and conlang discussions to demonstrate suffixation patterns such as nominalization and the formation of abstract qualities. In descriptive sketches, the suffix is usually described as attaching to the end of a stem and often stacking with other affixes.

Morphology and semantics: As a derivational suffix, yyssuffixi can convert verbs into noun forms that express acts, processes, or results, and can also turn adjectives into abstract nouns denoting qualities. Depending on the language model, it may co-occur with other derivational suffixes, producing longer words that retain the primary nominalizing function. In many pedagogical descriptions, its semantic load is intentionally broad, serving mainly to illustrate the mechanism of nominalization rather than prescribing a fixed meaning.

Phonology and orthography: The label "yyssuffixi" is primarily a theoretical designation; in actual conlangs it might be adapted to fit phonotactics, resulting in variants like -yss- or -suffixi. When embedded in longer word forms, the suffix typically follows the stem and may harmonize with surrounding vowels or consonants according to the language’s phonological rules.

Examples: root verb "loka" meaning to run, with yyssuffixi could yield "lokayyssuffixi," interpreted as “the act of running.” Root adjective "clar-" meaning clear, with yyssuffixi could yield "claray yssuffixi," interpreted as “the abstract quality of clarity.” These examples illustrate the function rather than prescribe fixed forms.

See also: Derivational morphology, Suffix, Nominalization, Constructed languages.