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Definition of Compound Adjective (with Examples)

Definition of Compound Adjective (with Examples)

A compound adjective is a single adjective comprising more than one word. The words in a compound adjective are usually grouped together using hyphens to show it is a single adjective.

Examples of Compound Adjectives

Here are some example of compound adjectives (shaded):

• four-foot table
• 12-page magazine
• free-range eggs
• never-to-be-forgotten experience
• well-known lawyer

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Alternatives to Hyphens in Compound Adjectives

Compound adjectives can also be grouped using italics, quotation marks, and title case (i.e., capital letters). For example:

• It's a bona fide purchaser.
(compound adjective grouped using italics)
• Is that your "go away" look?
(compound adjective grouped using quotation marks)
• Did you watch the Harry Potter documentary?
(compound adjective grouped using title case)

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