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Glite Dictionary
Michel Montaigne

Michel Montaigne

1 9.0
A French writer and thinker from the 1500s who is known for starting the modern essay
  • proper noun
  • /miˈʃɛl mɔ̃ˈtɛɲ/
: Michel de Montaigne
  • Many scholars consider Michel Montaigne to be the founder of the modern essay genre.

Examples

  • In his essays, Michel Montaigne explored themes of skepticism, self-reflection, and human nature.

  • The philosophical works of Michel Montaigne continue to influence writers worldwide.

  • Many consider Michel Montaigne the father of modern essay writing.

  • Michel Montaigne was born in 1533 in France.

  • In his essays, Michel Montaigne explored themes of skepticism, self-reflection, and human nature.

  • Many scholars consider Michel Montaigne to be the founder of the modern essay genre.

  • The philosophical works of Michel Montaigne continue to influence writers worldwide.

Synonyms

Montaigne
vsMichel Montaigne
3 9.8

A French writer and thinker who wrote personal essays about human life

is the full formal name rather than the short familiar name
Michel de Montaigne
vsMichel Montaigne
1 9.3

French writer from the 1500s who began the modern essay

is the basic identity without stressing influence or subject matter

Surface Forms

Michel Montaigne main

Morphology

Michel + Montaigne

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the identity and biographical information (16th-century French writer and essayist) cannot be inferred from the constituent name parts. Proper nouns are arbitrary referents rather than compositional phrases, so a B1 learner who only knows the words 'Michel' and 'Montaigne' would not be able to derive the MWE's meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

Michel Montaigne wrote short, honest pieces he called 'essais', which means 'attempts', where he looked at his own thoughts and everyday life. That's why he is seen as the founder of the modern essay.