companion
UK[kəmˈpænjən]US[kəmˈpænjən]
n
a person or animal with whom one spends time or travels.
n
one of a pair of matching things.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
pan
ion
com
with
pan
bread
ion
Etymology
the word 'companion' originates from late latin 'companio', literally meaning 'one who eats bread with another'. it is formed from the latin elements 'com-' (together) and 'panis' (bread). this concept of sharing a meal, a fundamental social bond, evolved through old french 'compaignon' to signify a close associate or partner. thus, the modern abstract meaning of a fellow traveler or close friend logically extends from this ancient literal idea of breaking bread together.
Analysis
Structure: com + pan + ion
com- (latin, meaning 'with', 'together'), pan- (latin, from 'panis', meaning 'bread'), -ion (latin, noun-forming suffix indicating an action or result).
Examples
the dog was her constant companion on long walks in the countryside.
this volume is the companion to the first book in the series.
he found a reliable companion in his new colleague.