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Saint David

Saint David

6.0
A Welsh church leader and preacher from about 520–600 who is the country's patron saint
  • proper noun
translation icon : San David
  • Legends say that Saint David performed miracles during his lifetime.

Examples

  • Every year, the Welsh celebrate Saint David's Day on March 1st.

  • Many people celebrate Saint David's Day on March 1st.

  • Many churches in Wales are dedicated to Saint David.

  • Did you know that Saint David is the patron saint of Wales?

  • On March 1st, many people in Wales celebrate Saint David's Day with parades and traditional food.

  • In honor of Saint David, the national patron saint, festivals are held throughout Wales each year.

  • Schools in Wales teach students about the significance of Saint David and his contributions to Christianity.

Synonyms

David
vsSaint David
3.6

A Christian saint who is the patron saint of Wales

is described primarily as a bishop and preacher rather than a community founder
St. David
vsSaint David
7.9

A Welsh saint who taught people about Christianity and is celebrated on March 1

is known mainly as a bishop and preacher

Surface Forms

Morphology

saint + David

The compound simply names a holy person composed of 'saint' (a person recognized for holiness) and the proper name 'David', so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it refers to a saint called David. The pattern 'Saint + name' is cross-linguistically common, though specific cultural details (e.g. patron saint of Wales) require extra background knowledge.

Etymology

Saint David was a Welsh bishop and preacher many centuries ago, and one famous story says he stood on a small hill to speak and the ground rose so everyone could see him. Because he taught, helped people, and became a special figure for Wales, he is called the 'patron saint' of the country today.