Is Hopeless a compound word?

MRSM&M · **Is Hopeless a compound word?** 10-27-2011, 08:17 AM

I don't know if hopeless is a compound word. Hope is a word on its own. Less is a word on its own. So is hopeless a compound word? I wasn't sure if less is considered a word here or a suffix instead.
HELP!
Thanks.

trishg1 · **yes no maybe!** 10-27-2011, 08:22 AM

I say no- because less in this case is a suffix- the opposite of hopeful, which is not made of two complete words.

On the other hand, if teaching primary, I would allow my students to identify the two familiar words within hopeless.

Of course, I had a substitute in first grade agree with my friend that "together" was a compound word. I argured and argued that gether is not a word, but alas, she finally told me to sit down and not worry about it. I've stewed over it for 35 years

Rt2learn · 10-27-2011, 03:57 PM

I would say no. Base word = hope Suffix = less
Without hope.

snacktime18 · 10-30-2011, 03:47 PM

I'd say no as well. The arguments previously mentioned are solid, plus if someone said "compound word" and then "hopeless" you wouldn't think they go together. It's just something in your mind that tells you "no."

trishg - cute story. I'm on your side

yesteach · **i concur** 10-30-2011, 03:57 PM

hope base, -less suffix - not a compound.

If that were the case, every word with the suffix -less would be a compound word...

YILuv2Teach · **trishg1** 10-30-2011, 05:13 PM

Maybe she thought it was a compound because it's made up of three words: to-get-her!

pmac · 11-20-2011, 11:23 AM

the suffix less means without...and the word hopeless means without hope so not a compound

rsjh1 · 12-03-2011, 01:25 PM

I concur with everyone else hopeless is not a compound word.

nextgenteach · **I Concur!** 07-05-2012, 08:22 AM

Hopeless is not a compound word, but students in a lower grade might try to identify it as a compound word if they see it. In that case, I think I would just do a little introductory comment: "You're right, hopeless does look like a compound word ... but, this word is different! It is a suffix, less is an ending that is added to change the meaning of the word --- you will learn about suffixes soon! Good thinking!"

I am not the type of teacher that just allows students to think it is close enough --- because later they might get more confused. I hope this helps