Which term describes a (new) word created by combining two or more words, such as memory stick or well-respected?

Which term describes a (new) word created by combining two or more words, such as memory stick or well-respected?

• A. Compound words
• B. Portmanteau
• C. Neologisms
• D. Hyphenated forms

Answer: (A)

Forming a new word by joining two or more words is called a compound word. These can appear in different spellings: open compounds with a space like memory stick, hyphenated ones like well-respected, or even closed forms where the two words fuse into one. The examples show how two words contribute to the meaning of the new term, regardless of punctuation. Portmanteaus blend parts of words to create something new (like brunch), which is a different process. Neologisms are newly coined words in general, not specifically about combining existing words. Hyphenated forms describe how a compound is written, not the act of creating a compound itself. So the best fit is compound words.

Forming a new word by joining two or more words is called a compound word. These can appear in different spellings: open compounds with a space like memory stick, hyphenated ones like well-respected, or even closed forms where the two words fuse into one. The examples show how two words contribute to the meaning of the new term, regardless of punctuation. Portmanteaus blend parts of words to create something new (like brunch), which is a different process. Neologisms are newly coined words in general, not specifically about combining existing words. Hyphenated forms describe how a compound is written, not the act of creating a compound itself. So the best fit is compound words.