What inference can you make regarding Lincoln’s use of the word great in this sentence?

English · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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To provide an accurate inference about Abraham Lincoln's use of the word "great" in a specific sentence, I would need the full context or the exact sentence in which he used the word. However, I can still guide you through a general approach to analyzing his use of language.

Answer: To infer Lincoln's use of the word "great," consider these steps:

1. Read the full sentence and surrounding sentences to understand the overall context in which "great" is used. 2. Look at what the word "great" is describing. Is it a person, an event, an idea, or something else? 3. Think about why Lincoln might have chosen the word "great." Was he trying to convey respect, emphasize importance, acknowledge size or influence, or suggest something admirable or excellent? 4. Consider the historical context of the time when Lincoln spoke or wrote this sentence. Certain events or common sentiments of the era might influence his choice of words. 5. Reflect on any rhetorical devices he might be using, such as hyperbole, understatement, or irony.

For example, if the sentence was "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal," using the word "great" might refer to the magnitude and nobility of the task of creating a new nation dedicated to the principles of liberty and equality.

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