gettysburg address: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (proper noun, historical reference)Formal, academic, historical
Quick answer
What does “gettysburg address” mean?
The famous speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The famous speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
A canonical example of powerful, concise political oratory; a foundational text of American civic religion and national identity; often studied as a masterpiece of rhetoric and historical document.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it is primarily a historical reference studied in specific contexts (e.g., American history, rhetoric). In the US, it is a core part of national mythology and civic education, frequently quoted and referenced in political discourse.
Connotations
UK: historical artifact, example of rhetoric. US: sacred text, embodiment of national ideals, symbol of unity and freedom.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English across all registers (education, media, politics). In British English, usage is largely confined to academic or specific historical discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “gettysburg address” in a Sentence
[Subject] delivered/recited/analysed the Gettysburg Address.The Gettysburg Address is [verb] as a masterpiece.The themes of the Gettysburg Address are [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gettysburg address” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The documentary Gettysburg-Addresses the complexities of the battle and its aftermath.
- The professor Gettysburg-Addressed the crowd, evoking Lincoln's brevity.
American English
- The senator Gettysburg-addressed the convention, calling for national unity.
- He Gettysburg-Addressed his team with a short, powerful pep talk.
adverb
British English
- He spoke Gettysburg-Address-ly, with great economy and power.
- The statement was crafted Gettysburg-Address-style.
American English
- The CEO addressed the crisis Gettysburg-Address-style: short and direct.
- She summed up the project Gettysburg-Address-ly in three points.
adjective
British English
- His remarks had a Gettysburg-Address quality of conciseness.
- They aimed for a Gettysburg-Address-like impact.
American English
- She delivered a Gettysburg-Address-worthy speech at the ceremony.
- The memo was a model of Gettysburg-Address brevity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in leadership talks about vision and concise communication: 'We need a Gettysburg Address for our new strategy, not a long report.'
Academic
Common in history, political science, American studies, rhetoric, and literature courses. Focus on historical context, rhetorical devices, and ideological significance.
Everyday
Low frequency. Might arise in discussions about American history, famous speeches, or school assignments.
Technical
Used in historiography, philology (textual analysis), and speech communication studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gettysburg address”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gettysburg address”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gettysburg address”
- Writing it in lower case ('gettysburg address').
- Referring to any speech given in Gettysburg as 'the Gettysburg Address'.
- Misspelling as 'Gettysberg Address'.
- Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'He gave a gettysburg address' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is famously short, consisting of only 272 words and lasting about two minutes when delivered.
It is an archaic way of saying '87 years ago'. A 'score' means twenty. Lincoln was referring to 1776, the year of the Declaration of Independence.
Contemporary reactions were mixed. Some newspapers praised it, while others criticised it. Its status as a masterpiece developed over time.
The text is widely available online from reputable sources like the Library of Congress, National Archives, and many educational and historical websites.
The famous speech delivered by President Abraham Lincoln on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War, at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Gettysburg address is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Gettysburg address: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡɛtizbɜːɡ əˈdres/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡɛtizbɝːɡ əˈdres/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not applicable for proper noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GETTYSBURG = GET TISSUES BURG? (A speech so moving it might make you need tissues) + ADDRESS (a formal speech).
Conceptual Metaphor
A SPEECH IS A MONUMENT (it is dedicated, it memorialises, it stands as an enduring structure in national memory). A NATION IS A FAMILY ('a new birth of freedom' implies birth and rebirth).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the Gettysburg Address remains significant today?