Augmentative

/ɔːɡˈmɛntətɪv/ adjective

Definition

Tending to augment or increase; having the quality or function of making something larger or more complete.

Etymology

From augment plus the suffix '-ative' (tending toward, having the quality of). In linguistics, it also refers to word formations that express bigness or intensity.

Kelly Says

In linguistics, augmentative forms are the opposite of diminutives—Spanish uses augmentative suffixes to make words sound bigger and more intense, like 'libro' (book) becoming 'librote' (great big book)!

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