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Definition of back-formation noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

back-formation

noun

/ˈbæk fɔːmeɪʃn/

/ˈbæk fɔːrmeɪʃn/

[uncountable, countable] (linguistics)

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a word formed by removing or changing the end of a word that already exists. For example, commentate is a back-formation from commentator.

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See back-formation in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Check pronunciation: back-formation

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noun

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