Hyphenate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A hyphenate is a word formed by combining two or more words with a hyphen, like mother-in-law. It can also mean a person with multiple roles, such as an actor-director.
Definition:
To join words or syllables with a hyphen.
Synonyms:
connect, link, join, combine
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
separate, divide
Common Collocations:
hyphenate names, hyphenate words, hyphenate phrases
Derivatives:
hyphenation, hyphenated, unhyphenated
Usage Tips:
Use a hyphen to clarify word combinations or avoid ambiguity in compound terms.
Common Phrases:
double-barrelled name, well-known phrase, high-quality product
Etymology:
From Greek "hyphen," meaning "together," via Latin and French influences.
Examples:
- 1. Please hyphenate these two words correctly.
- 2. Some cultures hyphenate surnames after marriage.
- 3. The editor asked me to hyphenate the compound adjective.
- 4. Avoid overusing hyphens; only hyphenate when necessary for clarity.