Langimage
English

compound

|com/pound|

B2

/ˈkɒmpaʊnd/

combination

Etymology
Etymology Information

'compound' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'componere,' where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'ponere' meant 'to place.'

Historical Evolution

'componere' transformed into the Old French word 'compondre,' and eventually became the modern English word 'compound' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to put together,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a mixture' and 'to worsen.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a thing that is composed of two or more separate elements; a mixture.

Water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen.

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Antonyms

Verb 1

to make something worse by adding to it.

His financial problems were compounded by his gambling habit.

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Antonyms

Adjective 1

made up or consisting of several parts or elements.

The compound structure was built to withstand earthquakes.

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Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35