root form

[/ruːt fɔːrm/]
nounpl: root forms
forma raiz
1. The basic or original form of a word from which other words are derived through inflection or derivation; the lexical form of a word as it appears in a dictionary
The root form of 'running' is 'run'.
A forma raiz de 'correndo' é 'correr'.
2. In linguistics, the morpheme or stem that carries the primary meaning of a word, to which affixes are added
In the word 'unhappiness', 'happy' is the root form.
Na palavra 'infelicidade', 'feliz' é a forma raiz.
3. In grammar, the infinitive or base form of a verb from which conjugations are formed
The root form of the verb is used to generate all other tenses.
A forma raiz do verbo é usada para gerar todos os outros tempos.
The concept of 'root form' is particularly important in Portuguese language teaching and learning, as Portuguese has complex conjugation and derivation systems. In Brazil, this term is frequently used in educational contexts to explain grammar and word formation patterns.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
base formstemlemmaheadwordinfinitive
Antonyms / Antônimos
inflected formderived formconjugated form

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
forma raiz
Standard term used in linguistic and grammatical contexts
Portugal
forma raiz
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; sometimes called 'forma de base'
Academic/Linguistic Contexts
lema
Alternative technical term used in linguistics and lexicography

Related Words

morphemeaffixprefixsuffixinflectionderivationetymology

Related Idioms & Phrases

get to the root of something
root and branch
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