Samuel Pepys

1 8.9

A 17th-century English writer who kept a detailed diary about life and events in England

proper noun

: Samuel Pepys

The famous English diarist, Samuel Pepys, recorded significant events of his time.

Examples

Samuel Pepys recorded the Great Fire of London in his diary with remarkable detail.
Samuel Pepys recorded the Great Fire of London in his diary with remarkable detail.
Many historians study Samuel Pepys to gain insight into 17th-century English society.
The personal accounts in Samuel Pepys's diary provide a unique window into the past.
Did you know that Samuel Pepys witnessed the Great Fire of London?
Many historians study Samuel Pepys to gain insight into 17th-century English society.
The personal accounts in Samuel Pepys's diary provide a unique window into the past.

Surface Forms

Samuel Pepys main

Morphology

Samuel + Pepys

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the occupational meaning 'English diarist' is not compositionally derived from the constituent names 'Samuel' and 'Pepys', which are arbitrary identifiers. A B1 learner who knows the words as names but has no prior exposure to the person would not be able to infer the diarist/historical information, so the expression is not transparent.

Etymology

Samuel Pepys was a man who kept a very full 'diary' in 1600s England and wrote down small daily details as well as big events like the Great Fire of London, so his name helps you remember a clear, personal record of everyday life.