Which term describes the process of joining the beginning of one word with the end of another to form a new word?

• A. Blending
• B. Clipping
• C. Compounding
• D. Acronym

Answer: (A)

Blending is creating a new word by joining parts from two different words, usually taking the beginning of one word and the end of another to form a single, new term. This is a portmanteau. Examples like brunch (breakfast + lunch) or smog (smoke + fog) show how the parts combine to convey the meaning of both sources in a compact form. This is different from clipping, which shortens a word without creating a new hybrid; from compounding, which links whole words to make a new one (like note + book); and from acronyms, which use initial letters to form a pronounceable word (NASA, radar).