bedfellow
UK[ˈbedˌfeləʊ]US[ˈbedˌfeloʊ]
n
a person who shares a bed with another.
n
a person or thing closely associated with another, especially in an activity or situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
bed
fellow
bed
fellow
Etymology
the word 'bedfellow' is a transparent compound from old english, formed from 'bedd' (bed) and 'feolaga' (partner, sharer). its literal meaning, a person who shares a bed, has been in use since the 15th century. the term quickly developed a figurative sense, referring to any close associate or ally, particularly one united by circumstance rather than choice. this evolution reflects the logic that intimacy or necessity, as implied by sharing a bed, can forge a temporary alliance, making the term apt for describing political, ideological, or situational partners.
Analysis
Structure: bed + fellow
- bed (old english): a piece of furniture for sleeping on. functional role: base noun, specifying the location or context.
- fellow (old english): a partner, associate, or companion. functional role: base noun, specifying the type of person.
Examples
in the cold night, the traveler was grateful for any warm bedfellow.
during the crisis, the two rival companies became unlikely bedfellows.
poverty and poor health are often bedfellows.