online vocabulary.com

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.

hyphenate

/ˈhaɪ.fə.neɪt/ /ˈhaɪ.fən.eɪt/

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.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS