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Glite Dictionary
Emma Goldman

Emma Goldman

3 6.8
A Russian-born American activist and writer who supported free speech and workers' rights
  • proper noun
  • /ˈɛmə ˈɡoʊldmən/
: Emma Goldman
  • Emma Goldman was a prominent figure in early 20th-century anarchist movements.

Examples

  • The government deported Emma Goldman to the Soviet Union in 1919 for her political activities.

  • Many consider Emma Goldman a pioneer of modern anarchism.

  • Many biographers have written about the life and legacy of Emma Goldman.

  • Did Emma Goldman really advocate for birth control?

  • Emma Goldman was a prominent figure in early 20th-century anarchist movements.

  • Many biographers have written about the life and legacy of Emma Goldman.

  • The government deported Emma Goldman to the Soviet Union in 1919 for her political activities.

Surface Forms

Emma Goldman main

Morphology

Emma + Goldman

This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; knowing the constituent words 'Emma' and 'Goldman' (personal names) does not allow a B1 learner to infer the referent or the biographical meaning (anarchist, activist, etc.). Proper names are arbitrary labels with referential meaning that must be learned, so the expression is not compositionally transparent.

Etymology

Emma Goldman was a fiery speaker from Russia who moved to the United States and spent her life handing out leaflets and speaking at meetings for workers' rights, birth control, and free speech. Her name now stands for an early 'anarchist and activist' who used bold words and actions to try to change society.