HYPHENATE COMPOUND Meaning and
Definition
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A hyphenate compound, also known as a hyphenated compound or hyphenated word, is a linguistic term referring to a combination of two or more words linked by a hyphen to form a single compound word. This type of compound word involves the use of a hyphen to join the constituent words, allowing them to function as a cohesive unit and convey a specific meaning.
Hyphenate compounds are commonly used in various fields, such as language, literature, and technical writing, to create new terms or clarify the relationship between the constituent words. They are particularly useful when the individual words alone do not convey the intended meaning and must be combined to form a cohesive whole.
The inclusion of a hyphen between the constituent words gives hyphenate compounds a distinct identity and structure. It aids in differentiating them from ordinary phrases or compound words without hyphens. Moreover, the hyphen serves as a visual cue, assisting readers in properly understanding the intended interpretation of the compound word.
For instance, "state-of-the-art" is a hyphenate compound consisting of the words "state," "of," and "the," connected by hyphens. This compound word is a commonly used phrase, meaning something modern, advanced, or cutting-edge.
Overall, hyphenate compounds play a vital role in language and communication, allowing for the creation of new terms and providing a concise means of expressing complex ideas or concepts.
Etymology of HYPHENATE COMPOUND
The word "hyphenate" derives from the noun "hyphen", which comes from the Greek word "huphen" meaning "together". The term "compound" comes from the Latin word "componere", which means "to put together". Therefore, a "hyphenate compound" refers to a compound word formed by combining two or more words with a hyphen to signify that they are to be treated as a unit.
