A Base vs. A Stem

Attribute	A Base	A Stem
Definition	The foundation or bottom part of something	The main upright part of a plant
Function	To provide stability and support	To transport water and nutrients
Location	Usually underground	Above ground
Composition	Primarily made of minerals and water	Primarily made of cells and tissues

Introduction

When it comes to linguistics, understanding the differences between various components of words is crucial. Two such components are the base and the stem. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of a base and a stem, highlighting their differences and similarities.

Definition

Before we compare the attributes of a base and a stem, it is important to define each term. A base is the part of a word to which affixes can be added to create new words. It is the core element that carries the primary meaning of the word. On the other hand, a stem is the part of a word that remains when all affixes are removed. It is the foundation upon which different forms of the word are built.

Flexibility

One of the key attributes that differentiate a base from a stem is flexibility. Bases are more flexible in terms of their ability to combine with different affixes to create new words. For example, the base "act" can combine with the suffix "-ion" to form "action" or with the prefix "re-" to form "react." Stems, on the other hand, are less flexible as they are the core element of the word and do not change when affixes are added or removed.

Productivity

Another attribute to consider when comparing bases and stems is productivity. Bases are highly productive in that they can be used to create a wide range of new words by adding different affixes. This allows for the expansion of vocabulary and the creation of new terms. Stems, on the other hand, are less productive as they are limited to the specific forms of the word from which they are derived.

Derivational Morphology

Derivational morphology is the process of forming new words by adding affixes to bases or stems. Bases are commonly used in derivational morphology as they provide the foundation for creating new words with different meanings. Stems, on the other hand, are more focused on inflectional morphology, which involves changing the form of a word to indicate grammatical relationships such as tense, number, or gender.

Examples

To better understand the attributes of bases and stems, let's look at some examples. In the word "happiness," the base is "happy," which carries the primary meaning of the word. The suffix "-ness" is added to the base to create a new word with a different meaning. In contrast, the stem of the word "running" is "run," which remains unchanged when the suffix "-ing" is added to indicate the present participle form.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while bases and stems may seem similar in that they are both core elements of words, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Bases are more flexible and productive, allowing for the creation of new words with different meanings. Stems, on the other hand, are less flexible and are primarily used in inflectional morphology. Understanding the differences between bases and stems is essential for grasping the complexities of word formation in linguistics.