ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-091-027 · ATLAS 251

Confix

A bound but derivable unit of word formation, particularly in loanwords.

Explanation

Confixes do not occur as free words, but like words, they can serve as bases for derivations or as parts of compounds. Examples include bio-, -thek, or therm-.

Example

bio- in “Bioladen” and -thek in “Mediathek” function as confixes.

Counterexample

-heit in Freiheit is a suffix but not a base-forming unit.

Distinction

Affix; bound lexeme

Effect on thought and perception

Reveals intermediate forms from which technical and international vocabularies emerge.

Resonance

A bound building block combines productively with varying partners.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Confix“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-027. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-027

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-027

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