DeWitt Clinton

1 8.1

An American politician who supported building the Erie Canal and served as governor of New York

proper noun
/dɪˈwɪt ˈklɪntən/

: DeWitt Clinton

DeWitt Clinton played a major role in the development of the Erie Canal, transforming New York's economy.

Examples

A statue of DeWitt Clinton stands in New York City to honor his contributions as governor.
Many historians credit DeWitt Clinton with helping to shape the infrastructure of early nineteenth-century America.
DeWitt Clinton was a prominent politician.
Did DeWitt Clinton support the Erie Canal?
DeWitt Clinton played a pivotal role in the construction of the Erie Canal, which greatly enhanced trade in New York.
The legacy of DeWitt Clinton can still be seen today in the canals that connect New York to the Great Lakes.
DeWitt Clinton served as governor of New York during a crucial time in the state's development and advocated for infrastructure improvements.

Surface Forms

DeWitt Clinton main

Morphology

DeWitt + Clinton

This item is a proper name (a historical person) whose identity and biographical meaning cannot be derived from the constituent parts: 'DeWitt' is not a lexical item and 'Clinton' is only a surname. Proper names are arbitrary referents, so a B1 learner who knows the parts would not be able to infer that this refers to a specific American governor and proponent of the Erie Canal.

Etymology

DeWitt Clinton was an American governor who pushed hard to build the 'Erie Canal' in the early 1800s, using his power and speeches to make the project happen. That's why his name is remembered for the canal and for big public works that changed New York.