full-timer

The compound noun "full-timer" is a modern formation built entirely from native English elements. The adjective "full," with Proto-Germanic roots meaning "full or complete," combines with "time," from a Proto-Indo-European root for "to stretch" (extending to a measured period). The agent suffix "-er," of ancient Germanic origin used to denote a person associated with an action or state, is then appended. The word's logic is transparent: it literally means "one associated with a complete or standard period of work," evolving in the 20th century to specifically designate a permanent employee or student engaged in a full schedule, contrasting with "part-timer."

Structure: full (complete) + time (period) + er (person who) - full: From Old English full, meaning "complete, entire." It functions as an adjective modifying the noun 'time'. - time: From Old English tīma, meaning "a period, season." It functions as the core noun. - er: From Old English -ere, an agent noun suffix meaning "one who does or works with." It functions to denote a person associated with the preceding concept.