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Glite Dictionary
Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine

6 6.0
An English-born writer and political thinker who supported the American and French revolutions
  • proper noun
  • /ˈtɑːməs peɪn/
: Thomas Paine
  • Thomas Paine wrote 'Common Sense,' which inspired many colonists to support independence.

Examples

  • Many historians credit Thomas Paine with influencing public opinion during the American Revolution.

  • Many consider Thomas Paine a founding father of American democracy.

  • The ideas of Thomas Paine had a profound impact on democratic movements across the world.

  • Did Thomas Paine write 'Common Sense'?

  • Thomas Paine was a key figure in shaping the philosophy behind the American Revolution.

  • The writings of Thomas Paine encouraged many to fight for their rights and freedoms.

  • As a political activist, Thomas Paine argued passionately for democracy and equality.

Synonyms

Paine
vsThomas Paine
12 6.7

English-born writer whose pamphlets helped start the American and French revolutions

focuses on broader political activism and philosophical writing beyond pamphleteering
Tom Paine
vsThomas Paine
1 7.0

A writer born in England who supported the American and French revolutions

uses the full formal name rather than the shorter familiar form

Surface Forms

Thomas Paine main

Morphology

Thomas + Paine

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; knowing the constituent words 'Thomas' and 'Paine' does not let a B1 learner infer that he was an 18th-century political activist, philosopher, and writer. Proper names are referential and require world knowledge or prior exposure, so the meaning is not derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Thomas Paine was a writer born in England who wrote a short pamphlet called Common Sense using plain words to convince many American colonists to support 'independence'. That's why his name is remembered as a powerful voice for 'democracy' and political change.