nonindependent
- adjective
- /ˌnɒnˌɪndɪˈpɛndənt/
- Specialized
:
no independiente
- Clitics are a common example of nonindependent elements in grammar.
Examples
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The suffix in this word is nonindependent and cannot appear by itself.
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The prefix 'un-' is a nonindependent morpheme.
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In some languages, pronouns are nonindependent and must attach to verbs or nouns.
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In linguistics, a nonindependent word cannot stand alone.
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In some languages, pronouns are nonindependent and must attach to verbs or nouns.
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The suffix in this word is nonindependent and cannot appear by itself.
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Clitics are a common example of nonindependent elements that rely on other words for meaning.
Synonyms
Cannot be removed from a word and always stays attached
How Independent
Surface Forms
Morphology
nonindependent = independent (semi-transparent) = non + independent
Formally 'non-' + 'independent' is clear, but the sense here is a specialized linguistic term ('independent morpheme') that may be unfamiliar to average learners.
Etymology
Nonindependent is made of the parts non- ('not') and independent ('able to stand alone'). In grammar, a nonindependent element cannot stand by itself and must attach to another word, like a suffix, so the name tells you it 'is not able to stand alone'.