low-priced

the compound adjective "low-priced" is a modern english formation built from transparent native and borrowed elements. the first element, "low," descends from a common germanic root conveying the concept of being not high, which extended metaphorically to mean small in amount or degree. the second element, "price," entered english via old french from latin "pretium," originally meaning a monetary value or reward. the suffix "-ed" is a productive english adjectival ending indicating possession of a quality. the literal construction "having a low price" directly and logically yields the modern meaning of being inexpensive, showcasing english's tendency to create clear, descriptive compounds.

Structure: low (having little height/amount) + price (cost) + ed (adjective suffix) low: from old english "hlāh," "hlēow" (low in position, not high), of germanic origin. functions as a modifier describing degree. price: from old french "pris," from latin "pretium" (value, reward, price). functions as the core noun element. ed: from old english "-ed," "-od," "-ad," a suffix forming adjectives from nouns, meaning "having, provided with."