dealer
UK[ˈdiːlə(r)]US[ˈdiːlər]
n
a person or business that buys and sells goods, especially a person who buys and sells a particular product
n
the person who gives out the cards in a card game
Morpheme Breakdown
deal
er
deal
to divide, share, distribute
er
Etymology
the word 'dealer' originates from the old english verb 'dǣlan', which meant to divide, share, or distribute. this verb itself is derived from the proto-germanic 'dailijaną', a concept related to division and portioning out. the agent suffix '-er', also of old english origin, was attached to create 'dealer', literally meaning "one who divides or distributes". over time, as commercial practices evolved, the core concept of distributing goods became central to trade, leading to the modern meaning of a person or business engaged in buying and selling.
Analysis
Structure: deal + er
deal: from old english 'dǣlan' meaning "to divide, share, distribute". functional role: verbal root.
er: from old english '-ere', an agent noun suffix indicating "one who does something". functional role: derivational suffix.
Examples
he bought the car from a reputable dealer in the city.
in blackjack, the dealer must hit on 16 and stand on 17.
she is a well-known dealer in antique furniture.