Definition

1. Verb:
   • To divide or connect with a hyphen: To insert a hyphen (-) between the parts of a compound word or between syllables of a word, especially at the end of a line of text.

Usage

• Primary Use: The verb "hyphenate" is used to describe the action of placing a hyphen. It is often used in the context of writing, editing, or typesetting.
• Form: It is a regular verb (hyphenate, hyphenates, hyphenated, hyphenating).

Examples

• Verb:
  • You should hyphenate the compound adjective "well-known." (The hyphen connects the two parts of the adjective.)
  • The software can automatically hyphenate long words at the end of a line. (The software divides the words with hyphens.)
  • I hyphenated my last name when I got married. (I connected my original last name and my spouse's last name with a hyphen.)

Advanced Usage

• Hyphenated as an Adjective: The past participle "hyphenated" is commonly used as an adjective to describe a word or name that contains a hyphen.
  • "Mother-in-law" is a hyphenated noun.
  • She has a hyphenated surname.
• In Computing and Typography: Refers to the automatic process of word division in text layout.
  • The publishing program has sophisticated hyphenation rules.

Variants and Related Words

• Hyphen (n): The punctuation mark (-) used to join words or separate syllables.
  • Don't forget to type the hyphen.
• Hyphenation (n): The act or process of hyphenating; the result of being hyphenated.
  • The hyphenation in this document is inconsistent.
• Dehyphenate (v): To remove a hyphen or hyphens from.
  • The editor decided to dehyphenate the term.

Synonyms

• Join with a hyphen: Connect using a hyphen.
• Separate with a hyphen: Divide using a hyphen (often for line breaks).

Phrasal Verbs / Common Phrases

(This word does not typically form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• Hyphenated American: (Historical/less common) A term sometimes used to refer to an American of foreign birth or origin, as in . Note: This usage can be considered outdated or reductive.
  • The concept of the hyphenated American was debated in the early 20th century.

Verb

1. divide or connect with a hyphen
   • hyphenate these words and names