Jim Morrison

13 4.2

An American rock singer and poet who is best known as the lead singer of the band The Doors

proper noun
/dʒɪm ˈmɔːrɪsən/

: Jim Morrison

Many fans consider Jim Morrison one of the most influential rock singers of the 20th century.

Examples

The lyrics written by Jim Morrison often reflected deep philosophical ideas.
A documentary was released detailing the life and legacy of Jim Morrison.
Jim Morrison was a rock legend.
Many consider Jim Morrison a legendary figure in rock music.
Many fans consider Jim Morrison one of the most influential rock singers of the 20th century.
A documentary was released detailing the life and legacy of Jim Morrison.
The lyrics written by Jim Morrison often reflected deep philosophical ideas.

Surface Forms

Jim Morrison main

Morphology

Jim + Morrison

This is a proper name referring to a specific individual; knowing the constituent parts 'Jim' and 'Morrison' (both personal-name elements) does not allow a B1 learner to infer the biographical meaning (American rock singer, lead vocalist of The Doors). Proper names are arbitrary labels whose referential information requires world knowledge or prior exposure, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Jim Morrison was an American rock singer and the lead of The Doors, famous for a deep voice, wild stage shows and dark, poetic lyrics. He called himself 'the Lizard King', so his name now often brings to mind a dramatic, dark, poetic 'rock star'.