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Glite Dictionary
General de Gaulle

General de Gaulle

1 5.8
A French army leader and later president who led the Free French forces in World War II
  • proper noun
: General de Gaulle
  • In 1958, General de Gaulle returned to power and became the president of France.

Examples

  • However, he responded enthusiastically to General de Gaulle's call to continue the struggle, broadcast from London on June 18, 1940.

    Academic text (1998)

  • During World War II, General de Gaulle led the Free French forces against Nazi occupation.

  • We are all for Free France, and General de Gaulle is prepared to issue a decree recognizing us.

    Academic text (1998)

  • Although both President Fulbert Youlou of Congo and President Leon Mba of Gabon asked General De Gaulle to intervene to resolve their differences, the French president declined.

    Academic text (1998)

  • General de Gaulle's leadership was pivotal in rallying the French people during difficult times.

Synonyms

de Gaulle
vsGeneral de Gaulle
11 7.5

French general and leader who led the Free French in World War II and later became president of France

is the fuller titled form showing rank rather than just the family name
Charles de Gaulle
vsGeneral de Gaulle
5 5.9

A French general and politician who led Free French forces in World War II and later became President of France

is given as a titled entry that emphasizes rank over the plain name
CDG
vsGeneral de Gaulle
1 7.2

A French general and statesman who led France in World War II

is the full titled entry rather than the short initial code

Surface Forms

General de Gaulle main

Morphology

general + de + Gaulle

This is a straightforward title + proper name construction: 'general' (a high-ranking military officer) combined with the surname 'de Gaulle' signals a general named De Gaulle. While the learner may not know the specific historical details about Charles de Gaulle, the basic referential meaning (a general called De Gaulle) is directly and transparently derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

General de Gaulle comes from Charles de Gaulle's army rank. General is his rank and de Gaulle is his name, and he became famous for leading the Free French in World War II and later for being 'president', so people use this title when they speak about him and his important role.