Daniel Defoe
- proper noun
- Daniel Defoe is often credited with writing one of the first English novels, Robinson Crusoe.
Examples
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Born in London, Daniel Defoe also wrote on economics, politics, and social issues.
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Literary scholars frequently analyze the works of Daniel Defoe to explore early novelistic techniques.
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The famous author Daniel Defoe wrote many novels.
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Did Daniel Defoe really exist?
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Daniel Defoe is often credited with writing one of the first English novels, Robinson Crusoe.
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Born in London, Daniel Defoe also wrote on economics, politics, and social issues.
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Literary scholars frequently analyze the works of Daniel Defoe to explore early novelistic techniques.
Synonyms
An English writer who wrote the novel Robinson Crusoe
Surface Forms
Morphology
Daniel + Defoe
This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; knowing the constituents 'Daniel' and 'Defoe' does not allow a B1 learner to infer the referent's identity, profession, or dates. Proper names are referential and non-compositional, so the MWE meaning (an English writer known for Robinson Crusoe) cannot be derived from the parts.
Etymology
Daniel Defoe was an English writer who became famous for the island survival story 'Robinson Crusoe', a book that reads like a true report. His clear, ordinary detail and adventurous scenes made readers feel the story was real, so people call him one of the first writers of the English novel.