In another thread, Angel pointed out that "possessed" (2 syllables) + "ness" (1 syllable) = "possessedness" (4 syllables) and then adds "Go figure."

Allow me to put words into her mouth and, as this separate thread, put it to the group to come up with other examples.

I submit: "are" (1) + "a" (1) = "area" (3).

I'm sure there are more. As always, gray metter only, please.

[This message was edited by C J Strolin on Fri Dec 13th, 2002 at 10:47.]

"fine" (1) + "-ry" (1) = "finery" (3)

Interesting concept, CJ.

Thanks, Wordnerd. I can hear my father say (in a line I should post on the "favorite expressions" thread) "If you're so smart, why ain't you rich?!"

why indeed...

Blessed (blest) + ness = Blessedness

To go along with "blessedness":

"Pie" (1) + "ty" (1) = "Piety" (3)

This also works with Die + ty = Diety if you don't mind misspelling "Deity" which, I suppose, defeats the purpose just a bit.

Or maybe as in "I'll just have the carrot sticks. I'm feeling diety today."

quote:

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Or maybe as in "I'll just have the carrot sticks. I'm feeling diety today."

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That's me!

I found one today....


line + ar = linear

Also "line" + "age" = lineage.

Odd how once something like this comes up, how often examples pop out at you.

I'd make this "a challenge" but Shufitz would only take it and go crazy with it!

hmmmm ... in this pattern an extra syllable is created when the component words are combined. CJ's example triggered to mind a case where the a syllable is dropped upon combining, but I imagine that's not uncommon.

line (1) + age (1) = lineage (3)
marry (2) + age (1) = marriage (2)