Otto the Great

1 8.9

A king of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor who united much of central Europe and strengthened the empire

proper noun

: Otón el Grande

As Holy Roman Emperor, Otto the Great played a key role in shaping medieval European politics.

Examples

Many historians regard Otto the Great as one of the most influential rulers of the Middle Ages.
The reign of Otto the Great marked a significant period in German history.
Otto the Great is remembered for unifying much of central Europe under his rule.
Did Otto the Great really unify the German states?
Otto the Great is remembered for unifying much of central Europe under his rule.
As Holy Roman Emperor, Otto the Great played a key role in shaping medieval European politics.
Many historians regard Otto the Great as one of the most influential rulers of the Middle Ages.

Surface Forms

Otto the Great main

Morphology

Otto + the + great

The pattern "X the Great" is a compositional epithet (proper name + adjective) so a learner who knows 'great' will infer it denotes a famous or important person—i.e., Otto who was notable or illustrious. While specific historical details (dates, exact titles) cannot be derived, the basic meaning that this Otto was a prominent ruler is directly inferable from the constituents and is cross-linguistically common.

Etymology

Otto the Great earned the name 'the Great' because as king and later emperor he won key battles and brought many lands together under his rule. That's why the title shows he was an important and powerful leader.