cost-sharing
UK[ˈkɒst ˌʃeərɪŋ]US[ˈkɔːst ˌʃerɪŋ]
n
A system or arrangement in which the cost of something is divided between two or more parties.
n
The portion of a cost that an individual or organization is responsible for paying under such a system.
Morpheme Breakdown
cost
sharing
cost
expense
sharing
distributing
Etymology
The term "cost-sharing" is a modern English compound noun formed by combining two established words. "Cost" originates from the Latin verb 'constare', meaning 'to stand together' or 'to be settled', which evolved through Old French to signify a price or expenditure. "Sharing" derives from the Old English 'scearu', related to cutting and division, reflecting the concept of apportioning a whole. The compound logically fuses these concepts: the monetary outlay ('cost') and the act of its distribution ('sharing'). This transparent construction directly describes the financial practice, making its meaning readily apparent from its constituent parts, a common feature in contemporary administrative and economic terminology.
Analysis
Structure: cost (expense) + sharing (distributing)
- cost: From Middle English 'cost', from Old French 'cost', from Latin 'constare' ('to stand at, to cost'). In this compound, it functions as the object or subject of the action, representing the expense being distributed.
- sharing: From the verb 'share', from Middle English 'share', from Old English 'scearu' ('a cutting, tonsure'). In this compound, the gerund '-ing' nominalizes the verb, indicating the action or process of dividing and distributing the cost.
Examples
The new health insurance plan involves significant cost-sharing for prescription drugs.
The research grant was awarded on a cost-sharing basis between the university and the private sponsor.
Employees often face higher cost-sharing through increased deductibles and co-payments.