greenness
UK[ˈɡriːnnəs]US[ˈɡriːnnəs]
n
the quality or state of being green in colour
n
the quality of being concerned with or supporting protection of the environment
n
the state of being inexperienced or naive
Morpheme Breakdown
green
ness
green
colour
ness
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'greenness' is a transparent english compound formed from the native old english elements 'grēne' and '-nes'. 'grēne', the adjective for the colour, is of germanic origin, related to old high german 'gruoni' and old norse 'grænn', all sharing a common proto-germanic root 'grōniz', which is linked to concepts of growth and plants. the suffix '-nes', from proto-germanic '-inassu-', was a highly productive way to form abstract nouns denoting a state or quality. therefore, the literal construction "the state of being green" evolved from its primary reference to colour to encompass metaphorical qualities associated with green things, such as environmentalism and inexperience.
Analysis
Structure: green (colour) + ness (noun suffix)
green (old english, adjective root meaning the colour green) + ness (old english, noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality)
Examples
the lush greenness of the valley was breathtaking after the spring rains.
the company's commitment to greenness is evident in its carbon-neutral policies.
his greenness was obvious when he started his first job, but he learned quickly.