Suffixes like “-what” are relatively rare in English. While the pronoun “what” exists independently, it doesn’t typically serve as a suffix to form new words. Instead, instances of a word ending in these letters often arise from compound formations or contractions, such as “somewhat” (a combination of “some” and “what”) meaning to a moderate extent, or archaic terms like “notwhat” a contraction of “not” and “what” meaning anything but. Examining such formations provides insights into how language evolves and how meaning is constructed through word combinations.
Understanding the structure and origin of these combined forms can enhance comprehension and vocabulary. Recognizing components like “some” and “what” within “somewhat,” for example, illuminates the word’s meaning as a partial or moderate degree. Historical context also plays a role; while “notwhat” has largely fallen out of use, its previous existence demonstrates the fluidity of language and how meanings and forms shift over time. Studying these less common word formations provides a valuable lens for exploring the mechanics of the English language.
