William S. Gilbert
1
7.9
- proper noun
- William S. Gilbert wrote the libretti for many of the celebrated Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
Examples
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Many theatre enthusiasts admire the enduring partnership of Arthur Sullivan and William S. Gilbert.
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The wit of William S. Gilbert continues to influence writers of musical theatre today.
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The famous William S. Gilbert wrote many operettas.
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Did William S. Gilbert really collaborate with Sullivan?
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William S. Gilbert is renowned for his clever lyrics in the classic comic operettas he created with Arthur Sullivan.
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Many people enjoy the unique humor of William S. Gilbert's work, especially in shows like 'The Pirates of Penzance'.
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In the world of musical theatre, William S. Gilbert remains a significant figure due to his collaboration with Sir Arthur Sullivan.
Synonyms
An English writer who wrote the words for comic operas with composer Arthur Sullivan
An English writer who wrote the words for funny operas with Arthur Sullivan
Surface Forms
Morphology
William + S. + Gilbert
This is a proper name referring to a specific historical person; the referential meaning (that he was an English librettist and dramatist) is not compositionally built from the name parts. A B1 learner who knows the tokens 'William', 'S.' and 'Gilbert' would not be able to infer his identity or occupation without extra world knowledge, so the expression is opaque.
Etymology
William S. Gilbert was an English writer who worked with composer Arthur Sullivan to create funny musical plays. He wrote sharp, funny 'libretti', the words for musical plays, so imagine him at a desk writing clever lines for singers. That is why his name is still known for funny musical theatre today.