Simple and Derived Words: Influence on other Values of Words

Abstract

We investigated whether the reported values of a word are affected by whether that word is simple or derived. We selected 400 Spanish words at random from a dictionary. Simple words were significantly shorter and more frequently used than derived words and had entered the language significantly earlier. 226 psychology students were asked to rate the words on scales of imagery, concreteness, familiarity, emotionality, and meaningfulness. Simple words were rated significantly higher than derived words on all scales except emotionality.