answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Some English sources recognize three types of compound words: open, closed and hyphenated.

Open compound words are words comprised of two or more words that are separated by a space. For example, "post office" and "attorney general".

Closed compound words, are words comprised of two or more words with no spaces. For example, "paperclip" and "moonlight".

Hyphenated compound words are comprised of two or more words separated by hyphens. For example, "middle-earth" and "blue-eyed".

Often, the decision on how to express a compound word is a matter of style and convention. For example, should the word be written as "mid year", "midyear", or "mid-year"?

Some English language references do not recognize the concept of open compound words and treat these as multi-word terms or phrases.

Like many questions related to language, there is no definitive answer because there is no universally recognized entity responsible for providing the definitive answer.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the meaning of an open compound word?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp