Suprafix
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| Affixes |
|---|
| Prefix |
| Suffix |
| Circumfix |
| Duplifix |
| Infix |
| Interfix |
| Transfix |
| Simulfix |
| Suprafix |
| Disfix |
In linguistics, a suprafix is a type of affix where a suprasegmental change (such as tone or stress) modifies an existing morpheme's meaning. In many languages, they are used to differentiate between otherwise identical lexemes, but in some they are used derivationally or inflectionally.
An example in English is the creation of initial-stress-derived nouns. For instance, the noun próduce /ˈprɒdjuːs/ (vegetable or fruit) is an initially stressed version of the verb prodúce /prəˈdjuːs/ "create" or "bring forth".
Another is Mandarin 好 hǎo (to be good) and 好 hào (to find good), where the tone changes from low to falling.
[edit] See also
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