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ever + y + thing ➔ everything
(Matrix from Real Spelling 70 Matrices Disk)
Some semantic interpretations:
At first glance the word “everything” might not seem to be very exciting in terms of providing semantic insights into Greta’s speech. However, perhaps when we see the base <ever> we can draw a link to what she is arguing.
Some orthographic investigations include:
Notice from this matrix:
- Suffixes are not necessarily word final.
- A matrix need not a base surrounded by affixes!
- Why doesn’t the <-y> suffix change to <i> in any words constructed from this matrix? (Hint: The <y>/<i> change is a suffixing change.)