Cary Grant
22
4.6
- proper noun
- /ˈkɛri ɡrænt/
- The charming demeanor of Cary Grant captivated audiences and made him a legendary figure in Hollywood.
- starring Cary Grant
Examples
-
Mama and I peered toward Cary Grant's quarters but couldn't see any activity beyond the pool and the pink bougainvillea that grew in profusion, shielding the bungalow.
Fiction book (1997) -
Tony talked about what had happened on the set that day; he referred to Cary Grant as a fine fellow.
Fiction book (1997) -
If we rarely saw Cary Grant, it was not from lack of trying.
Fiction book (1997) -
Mama considered this very democratic of him; she pronounced Cary Grant a "perfect gentleman."
Fiction book (1997) -
Cary Grant was not even as handsome as Daddy.
Fiction book (1997) -
Does anyone really care about Cary Grant's virtue?
Fiction book (1997) -
Cary Grant often gave other cast members, especially the pretty young script girls and makeup girls, a ride in the limousine.
Fiction book (1997) -
The bus was waiting under the portico every morning at 7:30; by 7:45, everybody, even Cary Grant, was gone.
Fiction book (1997) -
Judy Garland was divorcing Sid Luft, and that "ideal couple," Cary Grant and Betsy Drake, had parted amicably.
Fiction book (1997) -
In classic films, Cary Grant often played sophisticated characters who embodied charisma and wit.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Cary + Grant
This is a proper name referring to a specific person (the actor Cary Grant), so its reference and biographical meaning cannot be derived from the literal meanings of the parts. Even if a learner knows the common-word sense of 'grant' or recognizes 'Cary' as a word-form, the fact that this is a famous British‑born American actor is arbitrary and not compositionally predictable, making it opaque to learners.
Etymology
Cary Grant took that name as a 'stage name' early in his career, changing from his birth name to something shorter and more elegant to match the smooth, charming image he showed on screen. That's why Cary Grant is remembered as the famous British-born American actor known for charming, elegant roles.