In language, blending means to join the beginning of one word with the end of another to create a new word.

Compounds are words that are formed by combining two existing words together.

An acronym is a word formed by combining the first letter of each word in a name or phrase (e.g. ASAP).

Initialism is an abbreviation where the first letters of each word are pronounced as separate letters (e.g. CCTV).

Affixation is the process of adding groups of letters to the beginning or ends of words to change their meanings.

Creating a new word

English

In 'A History of Language' students gain an understanding of the way in which English has evolved over time. In 'Perspectives on Gender', students also consider how language has been shaped by historical and social factors.

In 'Sherlock Holmes: Short Stories', students practise argumentative speaking as part of role-playing a court case. In 'A History of Language',  students also argue to justify the addition of their new word to the dictionary.   

A history of language

'Internet' is an example of word blending. Which words are blended to create this new word?

Are the following abbreviations examples of initialism or acronym?

When a word's meaning is altered by the addition of letters at the beginning or end, what is being described here?

'The first goal looked even better when shown again on the replay.' Which word is an example of word affixation?

Which of the words below contain a prefix?

Something you can feel but can't explain.

What is the definition of the word initial? Here it is used in a sentence: 'My initial reaction was to refuse the invitation to dinner.'

The word 'awesome' has gained a weaker meaning over time. As such it is an example of ...

If a word's meaning grows more positive over time then it undergoes ...

Word pejoration is when a word's meaning ...

Starter Quiz