Parasynthesis is a language resource that is based on the union of a prefix and a suffix in a single word. It is, therefore, the creation of a new word from two existing lexemes. This resource is also known as a parasynthetic relationship.
Two methods of forming parasynthetic words
The first consists of configuring a prefixed and suffixed word at the same time, that is, in the union of a prefix and a suffix to a lexeme. Thus, in the word blacken there is a parasynthesis because there is a prefix (en), a lexeme (black) and finally a suffix (er). Therefore, words such as gray, cliff, or orange are examples of parasynthetic words.
In the second method, a union of the derivation and the composition occurs simultaneously. Thus, in the word quinceañero this phenomenon occurs (fifteen is a lexeme, añ comes from a year and is another lexeme and ero is a suffix). Other examples could be the following: mileurista, parachutist or multinational.
Compound and derived words
Parasynthesis is a way of joining prefixes and suffixes to create new words. However, there are also compound words, which are formed by the union of two simple words, such as basketball, kick or can opener. On the other hand, we speak of derived words when a suffix is added to a primitive word, as happens with words such as atypical, bilateral, equitable or epithelium.
It can be seen that the composition and derivation procedure is the one used for the formation of parasynthetic terms. However, derived words and parasynthetic words are different matters.
If we take the term intolerant as a reference, we are dealing with a derived word and a parasynthesis does not occur because in it there is no simultaneous combination of prefix and suffix linked to a lexeme.
The importance of suffixes and prefixes
In the formation of words (compound, derived or parasynthetic) the use of prefixes and suffixes is essential. Both are derivative morphemes that are added to a lexeme and allow you to create new words.
The prefix goes before the lexeme, as is the case with the following terms: precooked, unhappy or unhappy (in these cases the prefixes are pre, in and des).
The suffix follows the lexeme, such as healthy, aloof, burn, or flourish (here the suffixes are able, ento, hard, and ecer).
Photos: Fotolia - Syda / Alexydance
