Frederick the Great
1
7.4
- proper noun
- Frederick the Great is often celebrated for enhancing Prussia's influence in European politics.
Examples
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Frederick the Great transformed Prussia into a formidable military power during his reign.
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The young king saw himself as the successor to Frederick the Great.
Academic text (2011) -
Frederick the Great fashioned that army into the essential element in the social structure.
Academic text (2011) -
Bismarck's king, Wilhelm I (r. 1861-88), followed the model of Frederick the Great.
Academic text (2011) -
Known for his military strategies, Frederick the Great led Prussia to significant victories in the 18th century.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Frederick + the + great
The epithet 'the Great' transparently signals that this is an important or famous person named Frederick, so a learner who knows the constituents would infer it refers to a notable Frederick. However, the specific historical identity and role (King of Prussia, dates, military achievements) cannot be derived from the words alone, making the expression only partially predictable.
Etymology
Frederick the Great got his name because people admired King Frederick for his many victories and reforms. They added the Great as a short 'title' to show he was very powerful and important.