commission-based

The term is a modern English compound adjective formed in the 20th century, reflecting industrial and commercial practices. The first element, "commission," originates from Latin committere, meaning "to bring together" or "to entrust," which evolved through Old French to signify a delegated duty or a fee for an agent's service. The second element, "based," derives from the concept of a foundation or main supporting part. When combined, the literal meaning "having a commission as its foundation" logically evolved to describe a payment system where income is directly and proportionally founded on the amount of business transacted.

Structure: commission (noun) + based (adjective suffix) - commission: From Latin committere (to bring together, entrust), via Old French comission. In this compound, it functions as the nominal root meaning a fee or authorization. - based: From the English verb base (to establish on a foundation) + the past participle suffix -ed, functioning as an adjective-forming suffix meaning "having as a basis or foundation."