Basic Details
Word: Portmanteau
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A word that combines two different words into one new word with a blended meaning.
Synonyms: Blend, combination, hybrid
Antonyms: Individual word
Idioms and Phrases
- Portmanteau of ideas: Refers to a combination of different concepts or thoughts. Example: "Her presentation was a portmanteau of ideas that inspired everyone."
- Portmanteau word: A term used to describe a new word created from parts of two existing words. Example: "The word 'brunch' is a portmanteau word combining 'breakfast' and 'lunch,' and it has become very popular."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Words like 'smog' and 'motel' are examples of portmanteaus formed from 'smoke' + 'fog' and 'motor' + 'hotel', respectively.
Example 2: The term 'infomercial' is a portmanteau that mixes 'information' and 'commercial' to describe a type of television program.
Example 3: In his book, Lewis Carroll famously created portmanteaus such as 'snark' and 'brillig' to enhance the whimsical nature of his poetry.
Fun Fact
The word 'portmanteau' originally referred to a suitcase that had two compartments, combining the French words 'porter' (to carry) and 'manteau' (coat). The linguistic use of the term was popularised by author Lewis Carroll in the 19th century when he described his invented words as "two meanings packed up into one word."
Famous Quote
"A portmanteau of words is a true reflection of creativity, where the ordinary meets the extraordinary." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "portmanteau" mean?
a) A type of suitcase
b) A word combining two others
c) A story about travel
d) A kind of poem
Answer: b) A word combining two others
2. Which of these is a synonym of "portmanteau"?
a) Individual word
b) Blend
c) Sentence
d) Vocabulary
Answer: b) Blend
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "portmanteau"?
a) Wordsmith
b) Hybrid
c) Individual word
d) Combination
Answer: c) Individual word
4. Which sentence uses "portmanteau" correctly?
a) She wrote a story about a portmanteau suitcase.
b) The word 'blog' is a portmanteau of 'web' and 'log'.
c) We saw a portmanteau at the shop.
d) The portmanteau sang beautifully.
Answer: b) The word 'blog' is a portmanteau of 'web' and 'log'.
5. Which idiom refers to a combination of ideas?
a) A stitch in time
b) Portmanteau of ideas
c) In the same boat
d) The proof is in the pudding
Answer: b) Portmanteau of ideas
