This is a very fun and interesting game – exercise!
Many words in the Greek language are combined words (σύνθετες λέξεις) and by breaking them to smaller pieces help us in the meaning and etymology of the word as well as in the creation of new words from their smaller pieces.
For example, we have the word ΑΣΤΡΟΝΑΥΤΗΣ, which we can break into two words ΑΣΤΡΟ (star)and ΝΑΥΤΗΣ (sailor). From these two smaller words we can create new combined words. With the word ΑΣΤΡΟ we can create ΑΣΤΕΡΟΠΛΟΙΟ or ΦΕΓΓΑΡΑΣΤΕΡΟ. In the same way we can create with the word ΝΑΥΤΗΣ two new words: ΝΑΥΤΟΠΟΥΛΟ and ΘΑΛΑΣΣΟΝΑΥΤΗΣ.
Later, from the word ΦΕΓΓΑΡΑΣΤΕΡΟ (ΦΕΓΓΑΡΙ + ΑΣΤΕΡΙ) we can continue to create new words with the same beginning ΦΕΓΓΑΡΙ-, like ΦΕΓΓΑΡΟΦΩΤΟ or we can use the second part of the combined word –ΑΣΤΕΡΙ and create new words, like ΑΣΤΕΡΟΒΡΟΧΟ.
Your Challenge
Now it is your turn! Choose a compound word and break it into its smaller parts. Then use each part to create two or more new words. Once you have created a new compound word, break that one apart and continue the chain.
Grab a Greek dictionary, explore familiar and unusual words, and let your imagination thrive!
How long can you keep your Greek compound words chain going?