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Ivan III

Ivan III

1 9.1
A ruler of Muscovy who ended Mongol rule and united Russian lands
  • proper noun
: Iván III
  • Ivan III was instrumental in ending Mongol rule over Russian lands.

Examples

  • Historians often credit Ivan III with establishing the Russian autocracy.

  • Ivan III unified various Russian territories, forming the basis of the modern Russian state.

  • The Kremlin was significantly expanded during the reign of Ivan III.

  • Ivan III was a pivotal figure in Russian history.

  • Did Ivan III really defeat the Tartars?

  • The successful campaigns of Ivan III against the Tartars were crucial in establishing his power.

  • During his rule, Ivan III transformed Moscow into a powerful city that served as the center of Russia.

Synonyms

Ivan the Great
vsIvan III
1 7.2

A Russian ruler of Moscow who united much of Russia by defeating the Tatars

stresses actual defeat and founding work rather than just victories
9.8

A ruler of the lands around Moscow who united Russian areas and ended Mongol control

focuses on military defeat and explicitly on building the new state

Surface Forms

Ivan III main

Morphology

Ivan + III

The string 'Ivan III' is compositionally clear: a learner who knows the name 'Ivan' and the Roman numeral 'III' can infer 'Ivan the Third' and thus that it refers to a specific person (likely a monarch or ruler). However, the precise historical identity and attributes (Grand Duke of Muscovy, dates, deeds) require world knowledge beyond the constituents, so the expression is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Ivan III simply means Ivan 'the third', showing he was the third ruler with that name. He is remembered as the ruler who ended Mongol rule, brought many Russian lands together and expanded the Kremlin, so Ivan III refers to the Grand Duke who helped make Russia into one country.