hyphenate
hyphenate Lexical Profile
hyphenate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To connect two or more words, names, or word elements with a hyphen, or to divide a word across a line break using a hyphen.
"The couple decided to hyphenate their surnames so that their children would carry both family names."
• noun
A person who holds two or more distinct roles, professions, or cultural identities that can be described by a hyphenated compound (such as an actor-director or singer-songwriter).
"In modern independent cinema, it is increasingly common for a single hyphenate to write, direct, and edit the entire film."
A word or compound expression joined by a hyphen.
"The lexicographer tracked how frequently open compounds evolved into hyphenates before eventually becoming solid words."
• adjective
Joined by or written with a hyphen; hyphenated.
"Style guides often disagree on whether certain compound modifiers should be treated as hyphenate terms."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word is heteronymic: as a verb, the final syllable is pronounced with a long 'a' (/ˈhaɪfəneɪt/), whereas as a noun or adjective, the final syllable is unstressed (/ˈhaɪfənət/).
• Rhymes for hyphenate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the 18th century from 'hyphen' plus the verbal suffix '-ate'. 'Hyphen' derives via Late Latin from Ancient Greek 'huphen' ('together in one'), a compound of 'hupo' ('under') and 'hen' ('one').