This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
back formation
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Linguistics.
the analogical creation of one word from another word that appears to be a derived or inflected form of the first by dropping the apparent affix or by modification.
a word so formed, as typewrite from typewriter.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of back formation
First recorded in 1885–90
Words nearby back formation
backflip, back float, backflow, back focus, back foot, back formation, back forty, back four, backgammon, back gear, back green
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use back formation in a sentence
In any event, the men should be taught to take some form of a closed back-to-back formation.
Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911|United States War DepartmentIn any event, the men should be taught to take some form of a closed back to back formation.
Manual of Military Training|James A. Moss
British Dictionary definitions for back formation
back formation
noun
the invention of a new word on the assumption that a familiar word is derived from it. The verbs edit and burgle were so created from editor and burglar
a word formed by this process
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012