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Harold Godwinson

Harold Godwinson

1 9.3
King of England in 1066 who died at the Battle of Hastings
  • proper noun
: Harold Godwinson
  • The Battle of Hastings resulted in the death of Harold Godwinson and the end of Anglo-Saxon rule.

Examples

  • Harold Godwinson became king of England after the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066.

  • Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon monarch.

  • Many historians consider Harold Godwinson a pivotal figure in English history.

  • In 1066, Harold Godwinson became the King of England.

  • Harold Godwinson became king of England after the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066.

  • In 1066, Harold Godwinson led his troops to defend England against the Norman invasion.

  • Many historians view Harold Godwinson as the last king of the Anglo-Saxon era.

Synonyms

Harold II
vsHarold Godwinson
1 7.5

The last Anglo-Saxon king of England who died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066

shares the same facts but is another commonly used name
King Harold II
vsHarold Godwinson
1 8.0

The last Anglo-Saxon king of England who died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066

has identical meaning but uses a different common name

Surface Forms

Morphology

Harold + Godwinson

This is a proper name (a historical person) whose meaning is referential rather than compositional; knowing the parts 'Harold' and 'Godwinson' does not indicate that the referent was King of England or the historical details. A B1 learner would need specific world/historical knowledge to understand this MWE, so it is not derivable from its constituents.

Etymology

Harold Godwinson was a real English king whose name literally shows he was the son of Godwin. He became king in 1066 and is remembered as the 'last Anglo-Saxon king' who died at the 'Battle of Hastings', so his name now brings to mind that moment in English history.