higher-fat
UK[ˌhaɪ.ə ˈfæt]US[ˌhaɪ.ər ˈfæt]
adj
Containing a greater proportion of fat compared to a standard or alternative version.
Morpheme Breakdown
high
er
fat
high
greater in degree
er
comparative suffix
fat
lipid substance
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound adjective built from native Germanic elements. The base 'high', with its ancient sense of elevation or great degree, combines with the comparative suffix '-er' to form 'higher', a standard grammatical construction. This comparative adjective is then hyphenated to the noun 'fat', which retains its original Germanic meaning of an oily or greasy substance. The compound's logic is transparently descriptive, directly comparing the fat content of one item to another, following a productive pattern in English for creating comparative modifiers (e.g., higher-priced, lower-calorie).
Analysis
Structure: high (greater in degree) + er (comparative suffix) + fat (lipid substance)
- high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. Functions as the base adjective.
- er: From Old English -ra, the comparative suffix for adjectives. Functions as a grammatical suffix.
- fat: From Old English fǣtt, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vet and German Fett. Functions as the noun being modified.
Examples
Many chefs are now opting for higher-fat dairy products to improve the texture and flavor of their sauces.
The study compared the health effects of a higher-fat diet versus a traditional low-fat regimen.
This brand of yogurt is marketed as a higher-fat, more indulgent alternative to their standard line.