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compounds

Pronunciation: [ˈkɑːmpaʊndz]

Word

Learn how to use compounds in a sentence: 9 audio examples across 3 meanings.

Context: “chemistry”

(noun) a compound is a substance made of two or more different elements that are chemically combined together. For example, water is a compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.

Example

Salt is a compound formed from sodium and chlorine.

Example

Pure gold is not a compound; it is a single element.

Example

What compounds are essential for life on Earth?

Context: “grammar”

(noun) in grammar, a compound is a word that consists of two or more smaller words combined to create a new meaning. For instance, 'toothbrush' is a compound word made from 'tooth' and 'brush'.

Example

The word 'basketball' is a compound that combines 'basket' and 'ball'.

Example

The word 'cat' is not a compound; it is a simple word.

Example

Can you think of other compound words that we often use?

Context: “increase”

(verb) to compound means to make something worse or to add to a problem. Like when you have a small issue, and something you do makes it even bigger.

Example

He compounded his mistakes by not asking for help.

Example

She didn't compound her problem by ignoring it; she faced it head-on.

Example

How can one mistake compound another in a situation?

How to pronounce compounds

Pronunciation: [ˈkɑːmpaʊndz]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

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