Making Words
Many words are made up of two or more smaller words. When we combine
these words, we create a new word that has a distinct meaning. This
process is known as forming a compound word.
What is a Compound Word?
A compound word is formed when two or more words are joined together to
create a new word. These words can be written as separate words,
hyphenated, or combined into one word. The meaning of the compound word
often relates to the meanings of the individual words.
Examples of Compound Words
Drugstore: The words "drug" and "store" combine to refer to a retail
establishment that sells medications and health products.
Armchair: The words "arm" and "chair" describe a type of chair that has
support for the arms.
Crossroad: The words "cross" and "road" refer to a point where two roads
intersect.
Passport: The words "port" and "pass" signify a document that allows a
person to travel between countries.
Saltwater: The words "salt" and "water" refer to water that contains a
significant amount of dissolved salt, typically found in oceans.
Types of Compound Words
Compound words can be categorized into three types:
Closed Form: These are written as a single word (e.g., "notebook").
Hyphenated Form: These are connected by a hyphen (e.g., "mother-in-law").
Open Form: These are written as separate words (e.g., "ice cream").
Fun Facts About Compound Words
Compound words are common in English and can be found in everyday
language.
They can evolve over time; for example, "cellphone" used to be hyphenated
as "cell-phone" and is now commonly written as one word.
Some compound words can have different meanings based on context, such as
"bookcase," which refers to a piece of furniture that holds books.
By understanding and using compound words, you can enhance your
vocabulary and make your writing more engaging!
