samenvoegingswoord

A samenvoegingswoord, also known as a compound word or a portmanteau in English, is a word formed by combining two or more existing words. The meaning of the new word is often a blend of the meanings of the constituent words. This linguistic phenomenon is common in many languages, including Dutch, where "samenvoegingswoord" itself is an example of a compound word formed from "samenvoeging" (joining) and "woord" (word).

Examples of samenvoegingswoorden can be found in everyday language. For instance, in English, "brunch" is a combination of "breakfast" and "lunch," referring to a meal eaten late in the morning, combining elements of both. Similarly, "smog" is a blend of "smoke" and "fog," describing a type of air pollution. In Dutch, "fietsbel" (bicycle bell) is formed from "fiets" (bicycle) and "bel" (bell).

The formation of samenvoegingswoorden can occur through various methods. Some words are created by simply placing words next to each other, like "treinwagon" (train carriage) in Dutch, or "keyboard" in English. Other times, parts of words are merged, or one word is shortened before being combined with another. The resulting word can introduce new concepts or provide a more concise way to express an idea that would otherwise require a phrase. This process contributes to the evolution and richness of a language.