POLYSYNTHETIC Meaning and
Definition
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Polysynthetic is an adjective used to describe a type of language structure in which words are formed by combining multiple morphemes (the smallest meaningful units of a language, such as prefixes, suffixes, and roots) into a single word. This term is commonly applied in linguistic studies, particularly in the field of anthropology.
In a polysynthetic language, an entire sentence or complex idea can be packed into a single, highly inflected word due to the intricate agglutination of morphemes. These morphemes work together to express a wide range of grammatical and semantic information. This linguistic feature allows for concise and efficient communication within the language, as it can encapsulate a complete thought within a single word.
Polysynthetic languages differ significantly from analytic or isolating languages, where words remain separate and uninflected. Languages characterized as polysynthetic include Eskimo-Aleut languages, many Native American languages such as Mohawk or Navajo, and some languages spoken in Australia, among others.
The structure of a polysynthetic language allows for the creation of complex and often lengthy words, conveying detailed information that might require several words in an analytic language. These languages tend to use affixes extensively, creating words with multiple prefixes, suffixes, and infixes, which may include markers for tense, mood, aspect, number, case, and possession, among other grammatical categories.
In conclusion, polysynthetic refers to a language phenomenon where words are formed using multiple morphemes, allowing for complex information to be expressed within a single word.
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A term applied to the general grammatical structure of the languages of America, because they are all said to agree in grammatical, though differing in glossarial, detail; American, a term applied to certain languages, especially the America, in which a composition is formed out of several words, which is not notably longer than any of them.-Latham.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POLYSYNTHETIC
- oolysynthetic
- lolysynthetic
- -olysynthetic
- 0olysynthetic
- pilysynthetic
- pklysynthetic
- pllysynthetic
- pplysynthetic
- p0lysynthetic
- p9lysynthetic
- pokysynthetic
- popysynthetic
- pooysynthetic
- poltsynthetic
- polgsynthetic
- polhsynthetic
- polusynthetic
- pol7synthetic
- pol6synthetic
Etymology of POLYSYNTHETIC
The word "polysynthetic" is derived from two Greek roots: "poly" meaning many, and "synthetikos" meaning putting together.
The term was first coined by linguists in the early 19th century to describe a specific type of language structure. Polysynthetic languages are those where single words can contain multiple morphemes (units of meaning) that combine together to convey a more complex idea or statement. These morphemes can include prefixes, suffixes, and infixes, allowing the formation of longer and more intricate words.
The etymology of "polysynthetic" reflects the idea that these languages tend to synthesize or build together various morphemes to create a single word that conveys a complete thought or concept.
Similar spelling words for POLYSYNTHETIC
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