Definition:
A “compound word” is a word that is formed by combining two or more independent words to create a new word with a distinct meaning. Compound words can be written as a single word (closed compounds), with a hyphen (hyphenated compounds), or as separate words (open compounds).
Etymology:
The term “compound” comes from the Latin word “componere,” meaning “to put together.” The use of compound words has been a part of the English language since its early stages, evolving from the Germanic roots of Old English.
Description:
Compound words can be classified based on how they are written and the nature of the words combined.
Types of Compound Words:
- Closed Compounds: Written as a single word (e.g., “notebook,” “firefly”).
- Hyphenated Compounds: Connected by a hyphen (e.g., “mother-in-law,” “well-being”).
- Open Compounds: Written as separate words but function as a single unit (e.g., “post office,” “high school“).
Formation of Compound Words:
- Noun + Noun: Combining two nouns (e.g., “toothbrush,” “basketball”).
- Adjective + Noun: Combining an adjective and a noun (e.g., “blackboard,” “greenhouse”).
- Verb + Noun: Combining a verb and a noun (e.g., “breakfast,” “swimming pool”).
- Noun + Verb: Combining a noun and a verb (e.g., “rainfall,” “sunset”).