douglas
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun 1. A surname of Scottish origin: A family name historically associated with Scottish nobility and clans. 2. Stephen A. Douglas (1813-1861): A United States politician and orator, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, known for the Kansas-Nebraska Act and his debates with Abraham Lincoln.
Usage Examples
- As a surname:
- The Douglas family has a long history in Scotland.
- The actor Michael Douglas comes from a famous Hollywood family.
- Referring to the historical figure:
- Senator Douglas advocated for the principle of popular sovereignty.
- The Lincoln-Douglas debates were a pivotal moment in American political history.
Advanced Usage
- "Douglas fir": A specific type of large coniferous tree native to western North America, named after the Scottish botanist David Douglas.
- The timber from the Douglas fir is highly valued in construction.
- "Douglas County": A common county name in several U.S. states, often named after Stephen A. Douglas or other historical figures with the surname.
- She lives in Douglas County, Colorado.
Variants and Related Words
- Douglass: A common variant spelling of the surname, notably borne by the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
- Douglases: The standard plural form when referring to multiple people with the surname Douglas.
Synonyms
- Statesman (when referring specifically to Stephen A. Douglas): A skilled, experienced, and respected political leader.
- Orator (when referring specifically to Stephen A. Douglas): A public speaker, especially one who is eloquent.
Related Phrases and Idioms
(As a proper noun, "Douglas" does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is primarily nominal and referential.)
Noun
- United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)