nearsighted

the compound adjective 'nearsighted' is a transparent formation from native english elements. it literally describes the condition of having 'near sight,' meaning one can see clearly only what is near. the term 'near' derives from the old english comparative form related to 'nigh,' while 'sight' originates from the old english word for vision or the act of seeing. the suffix '-ed' is added to the noun compound to create an adjective, a common pattern in english, as seen in words like 'blue-eyed' or 'long-legged.' the metaphorical extension to mean lacking foresight follows logically from the physical limitation, implying an inability to see or plan for distant future events.

Structure: near + sight + ed - near (old english): from old english 'nēar', comparative of 'nēah' (nigh), meaning close in space or time. functions as a modifier. - sight (old english): from old english 'sihþ', 'gesihþ', meaning the faculty or power of seeing. functions as the core noun root. - ed (old english): from old english '-ed', '-od', '-ad', a suffix forming adjectives from nouns, meaning having or characterized by. functions as an adjective-forming suffix.