What is blending in word formation?

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What is blending in word formation?

Blending in word formation refers to the process of creating a new word by combining parts of two or more existing words. It involves taking the beginning of one word and combining it with the end of another word to form a completely new word with a different meaning. Blending is often used to create new words that represent a combination of the characteristics or qualities of the original words.

For example, the word "brunch" is a blend of "breakfast" and "lunch." Similarly, "smog" is a blend of "smoke" and "fog." In both cases, the blended words represent a combination of the concepts or attributes of the original words.

Blending is a common process in word formation, especially in informal language and in the creation of new words or terms. It allows for the efficient creation of new words by combining existing linguistic elements, and it often reflects the dynamic nature of language as it evolves to meet new needs and express new ideas.