St. Basil the Great
- proper noun
:
San Basilio el Grande
- The theological writings of St. Basil the Great have shaped Christian doctrine for centuries.
Examples
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Many Eastern Orthodox Christians commemorate St. Basil the Great on January 1 each year.
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St. Basil the Great was known for his charity and dedication to helping the poor.
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St. Basil the Great is a saint.
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Many people admire St. Basil the Great for his theological contributions.
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St. Basil the Great was known for his charity and dedication to helping the poor.
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Many Eastern Orthodox Christians commemorate St. Basil the Great on January 1 each year.
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The theological writings of St. Basil the Great have shaped Christian doctrine for centuries.
Synonyms
A 4th-century bishop in Caesarea who defended Christian beliefs
A 4th-century bishop and teacher who defends main Christian beliefs and is honored as a saint
A 4th-century bishop of Caesarea who defends Christian teaching and is a saint
Surface Forms
Morphology
St. + Basil + the + great
The phrase is a proper name formed from 'St.' (Saint) + the name 'Basil' and the epithet 'the Great', so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it refers to a saint called Basil with an honorific denoting distinction. However, the detailed historical and ecclesiastical information (4th‑century bishop, theologian, Doctor of the Church) cannot be derived from the words alone and requires world knowledge, making the expression only partially predictable.
Etymology
St. Basil the Great was a real 4th-century bishop named Basil who cared for the poor and wrote important church teachings. Because people remembered his kindness and learning, they called him a 'saint' and added 'the Great' to show respect.
