six-plus
UK[ˈsɪks plʌs]US[ˈsɪks plʌs]
adj
Being an age or amount that is more than six but less than seven, especially used of young children.
n
A number, score, or size that is greater than six.
Morpheme Breakdown
six
plus
six
numeral
plus
preposition
Etymology
The compound 'six-plus' is a modern English formation combining the cardinal number and a Latin-derived preposition. 'Six' originates from the Proto-Indo-European root s(w)eḱs, which yielded similar numerals across ancient languages, solidifying its concept of a specific quantity. 'Plus' entered English via Latin, where it denoted a comparative degree of 'more' or an additive principle. The fusion of these elements creates a transparent, logical compound used primarily in informal quantification, literally meaning 'six and more,' to indicate a value slightly exceeding the base number six, often applied to the age of children or approximate scores.
Analysis
Structure: six (numeral) + plus (preposition)
- six: From Old English 'siex', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zes' and German 'sechs', from an Indo-European root shared by Latin 'sex' and Greek 'hex'. Functions as the cardinal numeral.
- plus: From Latin 'plus' meaning 'more'. Functions as a preposition indicating addition or a surplus.
Examples
The program is designed for the six-plus age group.
He scored a six-plus on the difficulty scale.
We are expecting a six-plus percent increase in sales.