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Glite Dictionary
Alexander II

Alexander II

7.9
A Russian emperor from 1855 to 1881 who freed the serfs in 1861
  • proper noun
  • /ˌælɪɡˈzændər ˈtuː/
translation icon : Alejandro II
  • Alexander II is best remembered for liberating the Russian serfs in 1861.

Examples

  • The assassination of Alexander II marked a turning point in Russian history.

  • Alexander II ruled from 1855 to 1881.

  • Alexander II is best remembered for liberating the Russian serfs in 1861.

  • Many historians regard Alexander II as one of Russia’s most progressive monarchs.

  • Many reforms were implemented during Alexander II's reign.

  • Many historians regard Alexander II as one of Russia’s most progressive monarchs.

  • The assassination of Alexander II marked a turning point in Russian history.

Synonyms

Alexander the Liberator
vsAlexander II
8.1

A title for the Russian ruler Alexander II who freed the serfs

is the actual emperor who introduced those reforms rather than a descriptive title

Surface Forms

Alexander II main

Morphology

Alexander + II

The compound is partly transparent because 'Alexander' (a personal name) plus 'II' (Roman numeral two) clearly signals 'the second person named Alexander', so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a particular individual (likely a monarch). However, the specific identity and historical information (that he was Emperor of Russia who enacted reforms in 1855–1881) cannot be derived from the parts alone and requires world knowledge, so the expression is not fully transparent.

Etymology

Alexander II was the Russian emperor who is often called 'the Liberator' because he freed the serfs in 1861. Imagine him opening gates and taking off chains; that image helps explain why people remember him for big reforms.