Here's why:
* Historical Development: "-y" in "mighty" comes from Old English "-ig," which itself was a complex suffix with multiple functions. It could indicate:
* Adjectival formation: Like in "strong + ig" = "strong + y" = "strongy" (which later became "mighty").
* Descriptive quality: Similar to the "-ish" suffix, adding a sense of "somewhat" or "characterized by."
* Comparative sense: Suggesting a comparison, like in "big + ig" = "bigger" (which eventually became "mighty" in a similar sense).
* Modern Usage: Over time, "-y" in "mighty" became more closely tied to the specific word itself, losing its clear, independent meaning. It doesn't mean the same thing as "-y" in words like "happy," "sunny," or "sleepy."
Instead of thinking of "-y" in "mighty" as a separate meaning, it's best to consider it as part of the whole word's meaning:
* Mighty: "Possessing great power, strength, or influence."
So, while "-y" itself doesn't have a direct meaning in "mighty," it's part of a historical development that helped shape the word's overall significance.