On the Formation of Diminutives in Modern Hebrew Morphology

Of the various diminution devices in Modern Hebrew (+it and +iya suffixation, reduplication, the colloquial +čik and +íko, etc.), +on suffixation is the most productive and often functions as the default case. Its productivity is emphasized by the fact that it can be appended to forms that have already been derived by other diminution strategies. The feminine diminutive is further marked by +et, resulting in +ónet. Diminution of the +on variety often also denotes affection. Since only about a fourth of all on realizations listed in Even-Shoshan's dictionary have morphologically transparent bases, it is argued that the hearer first eliminates bound stems (including CiCaCon, CiCCon, etc.). When an independent base can easily be discerned, the default reading is "diminutive/affectionate"; if excluded by the context, a number of minor readings are also possible (e.g., "collections," "periodicals," "temporary structures," "instruments," etc.).