convenience-store
UK[kənˈviːniəns stɔː]US[kənˈviːniəns stɔːr]
n
A small store that is open for long hours and sells a limited range of everyday items such as food, drinks, and newspapers.
Morpheme Breakdown
convenience
store
convenience
suitability
store
shop
Etymology
The term "convenience store" is a modern English compound noun formed in the 20th century. The first element, "convenience," originates from Latin roots meaning "to come together" or "to be suitable," evolving to signify something that saves trouble or effort. The second element, "store," has a history of meaning a place where goods are kept for supply. The compound logic is transparent: it denotes a retail store whose primary characteristic is providing easy access and saving time for the customer, emphasizing its suitability to immediate needs due to extended hours and accessible locations.
Analysis
Structure: convenience (suitability) + store (shop)
- convenience: From Latin convenientia (agreement, suitability), from conveniens (coming together, fitting). In this compound, it functions as a modifier describing the store's purpose.
- store: From Old French estorer (to build, restore, supply), from Latin instaurare (to renew, restore). In this compound, it functions as the head noun indicating the type of establishment.
Examples
I stopped at the convenience store to buy a bottle of water and a snack.
Many convenience stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
He works the night shift at the local convenience store.