From essay writing, one learns to define one’s own terms.  During the weekend before regular tutoring recommences, the tutor discusses a topic his own children have been exploring.

My (smart aleck) son recently told me, “Dad, important is a compound word.”

“No, it’s not,” I replied.

“But it is though:  import…ant.”

I told him that, although import and ant are both words unto themselves, important is not a compound word.  My reasoning:  a compound word’s meaning combines the meanings of the words it contains.  That’s why something is a compound word: it means some thing.  Overpass is another example.

Important is not a compound word, I continued, because import ant is meaningless – unless, perhaps, you’re in the business of ant importation.  Even then, its meaning isn’t the same as important.  A true compound word has the same meaning even if the words are said separately.  That’s my definition.

I sought back-up for my definition in three dictionaries.  Those that commented at all, tended to side more with my son:  that a compound word simply is made from two standalone words.

This fun little post has opened up a few great topics. I’ll be happy to continue them in future posts:)

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.