convenience
UK[kənˈviːniəns]US[kənˈviːnjəns]
n
The state of being easy to use or suiting your needs well, making you comfortable or saving you effort.
n
Something that is useful and makes life easier or more comfortable.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
vene
ience
con
together, with, completely.
vene
to come.
ience
Etymology
The word "convenience" originates from the Latin verb convenire, meaning "to come together, to assemble, to be suitable." This verb is itself composed of con- (together) and venire (to come). The abstract noun convenientia evolved in Late Latin to denote the quality of being suitable or agreeable. Over time, the meaning shifted in English from the abstract notion of "suitability" or "agreement" to focus more specifically on the quality of being personally suitable, saving trouble or effort, and thus leading to comfort or ease. The modern sense of a useful appliance or facility is a natural extension of this idea—an object that "comes together" with one's needs to provide ease.
Analysis
Structure: con + vene + ience
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with, completely."
- vene: From Latin venire, meaning "to come."
- ience: Latin noun suffix (-entia), indicating a state or quality.
Examples
The convenience of online shopping has changed consumer habits.
The apartment's location offers great convenience, with shops and transport links nearby.
Modern kitchens are filled with time-saving conveniences.