Benjamin Rush
1
7.1
- proper noun
- /ˈbɛndʒəmin rʌʃ/
- Dr. Benjamin Rush was a key figure in American history, notably for signing the Declaration of Independence.
Examples
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Benjamin Rush learned this lesson the hard way, acknowledging that "I once lost the business of a respectable and worthy family for several years by taking up a newspaper which lay upon a table and reading it while the lady of the house was giving me an uninteresting history of the case of one of her family."
Academic text (1996) -
Benjamin Rush sent a copy to John Adams' daughter.
Academic text (1996) -
These positions are brought to life in two letters written by another founder of middling origins, Benjamin Rush.
Academic text (1996) -
"Benjamin Rush and John Adams again echoed this advice, the first when he bemoaned the vice of "taciturnity in company" in a letter to Adams; and the latter when he complained of James Otis that "No other gentleman in company can find a space to put in a word...
Academic text (1996) -
As an influential physician, Benjamin Rush advocated for important medical and social reforms during the early years of the United States.
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The writings of Benjamin Rush continue to be studied for their insights into Revolutionary-era politics and health care.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Benjamin + Rush
This is a proper name referring to a specific historical individual (an American physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence), so its referential meaning is not compositionally built from the parts. Even if a B1 learner knows the words 'Benjamin' and 'rush' they would not be able to infer the person's identity or historical role; proper names are conventionally arbitrary and require prior exposure.
Etymology
Benjamin Rush was an American doctor and leader who signed the Declaration of Independence and worked to improve hospitals and schools. Because of this, hospitals and other places are often named Benjamin Rush 'to honor' him, so the name now means that famous person and his work.