end-of-summer
UK[ˌɛnd əv ˈsʌmə]US[ˌɛnd əv ˈsʌmər]
adj
Relating to or characteristic of the final period of the summer season.
Morpheme Breakdown
end
of
summer
end
conclusion
of
belonging to
summer
season
Etymology
The compound adjective "end-of-summer" is a modern English formation built from three native Germanic elements. "End" traces to the Proto-Germanic andja-, meaning "end, opposite side," which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European antjo-, meaning "end, boundary." "Summer" descends from Proto-Germanic sumuraz. The phrase follows a straightforward, literal compounding logic in English: "end" + the linking preposition "of" + "summer." It does not describe a specific calendrical date but evokes the transitional period characterized by the concluding warmth, fading light, and anticipatory mood as the season draws to a close.
Analysis
Structure: end (conclusion) + of (belonging to) + summer (season)
- end: From Old English 'ende' (end, conclusion, boundary), of Germanic origin; related to Old Norse 'endi'. Functions as the core noun denoting a terminal point.
- of: From Old English 'of', 'af', a primary preposition indicating origin, separation, or possession. Functions as a linking preposition.
- summer: From Old English 'sumor', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zomer' and German 'Sommer'. Functions as the core noun denoting the warmest season of the year.
Examples
The garden had that distinctive, slightly melancholy end-of-summer feel.
We're planning one last end-of-summer barbecue before the children go back to school.
The store is having an end-of-summer clearance sale on all outdoor furniture.