more-expensive
UK[mɔː(r) ɪkˈspensɪv]US[mɔːr ɪkˈspensɪv]
adj
Comparative form of 'expensive'; having a higher cost or price.
Morpheme Breakdown
more
expensive
more
comparative
expensive
costly
Etymology
The word 'more-expensive' is a modern English compound formed by the standard grammatical rule for creating the comparative degree of polysyllabic adjectives. The base 'expensive' originates from Latin 'expendere', meaning 'to weigh out' or 'to pay', reflecting the ancient practice of weighing precious metals for payment. The comparative adverb 'more', of Germanic origin, is prefixed to indicate a greater degree. Thus, the literal construction 'more costly' directly and logically conveys its modern meaning of having a higher price relative to something else.
Analysis
Structure: more (comparative) + expensive (costly)
- more: From Old English 'māra', comparative of 'micel' (great, much). Functions as a comparative adverb/adjective modifier.
- expensive: From Medieval Latin 'expensivus', from Latin 'expendere' (to weigh out, pay). The morpheme 'ex-' (out) + 'pens-' (weigh, pay) + '-ive' (adjective-forming suffix). Functions as the base adjective meaning 'costly'.
Examples
The organic produce is often more-expensive than conventionally grown alternatives.
We decided against the more-expensive model due to budget constraints.
Renting in the city center is significantly more-expensive than in the suburbs.