ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ
https://scientific-jl.org/obr
Выпуск журнала №-70
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ADJECTIVES DESCRIBING NON-PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF A PERSON IN MODERN RUSSIAN
Umida Arislanova
Uzbek State University of
World Languages, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Abstract
This article explores adjectives that describe non-physical characteristics of a
person in contemporary Russian. The research identifies five major semantic groups of
such adjectives: characterological, intellectual, emotional, moral-ethical, and socio-
communicative. The functional and pragmatic features of these lexical units are
analyzed, with particular attention to sociocultural and media-related influences on
their usage and development. The article also examines trends in lexical innovation,
including borrowings and neologisms, which reflect the dynamic processes of language
renewal.
Keywords:
Russian language, adjectives, personality traits, non-physical
characteristics, neologisms, linguistic change, pragmatics, sociolinguistics
Introduction
In contemporary linguistics, the study of adjectives denoting non-physical traits
has gained significant importance. These lexical units offer insights into the inner
world of individuals, their behavioral patterns, moral values, and social roles. The
current stage of Russian language development is characterized by rapid lexical
change, partly driven by borrowing and word formation processes. This article focuses
on the categorization and evolution of such adjectives in modern Russian.
Semantic Classification of Non-Physical Adjectives
Adjectives describing non-physical characteristics can be divided into several
semantic categories, each reflecting different dimensions of human personality.
Characterological Adjectives
ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ
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These describe stable personal traits and behavioral tendencies, such as kind,
stubborn, proactive, lazy, reserved [10 p.150].
Intellectual Adjectives
These indicate cognitive capacities and intellectual attributes: intelligent,
insightful, well-read, short-sighted, narrow-minded [2 p.15].
Emotional Adjectives
These refer to emotional responsiveness and regulation: sensitive, emotional,
indifferent, hot-tempered, balanced [4 p.57].
Moral-Ethical Adjectives
These relate to ethics and morality: honest, decent, hypocritical, principled,
deceitful.
Socio-Communicative Adjectives
These characterize interpersonal interaction styles: sociable, confrontational,
charismatic, manipulative [5 p.34].
Trends in Lexical Development
Modern Russian exhibits an increasing tendency toward lexical innovation.
Borrowings from English, especially through media and digital discourse, have
enriched the non-physical adjective lexicon [1 p.11].
Common examples include:
toxic (from English toxic)
– now referring to harmful or manipulative behavior
friendly –
often used in hybrid phrases like user-friendly or eco-friendly
creative
– describing imaginative or innovative individuals
In many cases, these adjectives undergo grammatical adaptation and semantic
shift. For instance, toxic no longer refers solely to chemical properties but signifies
destructive communicative behavior [6 p.45].
Functional and Pragmatic Aspects
Non-physical adjectives often serve an evaluative function, expressing the
speaker's subjective stance. In addition to their descriptive role, they carry expressive
ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ
https://scientific-jl.org/obr
Выпуск журнала №-70
Часть–4_ Мая –2025
414
2181-
3187
and emotive value, making them especially relevant in social media and popular
discourse [10 p.155].
The high frequency of these adjectives in online platforms such as blogs, forums,
and networks contributes to their entrenchment in the active vocabulary of native
speakers.
These adjectives reflect not only linguistic change but also sociocultural shifts,
capturing evolving norms of social behavior and identity construction [9 p.92].
Adjectives denoting non-physical characteristics form a dynamic and socially
significant lexical category in modern Russian. Their semantic diversity, functional
flexibility, and adaptability make them an essential tool for describing contemporary
personality traits and interpersonal dynamics.
Recent trends show an increased incorporation of borrowings and neologisms,
particularly from English, alongside native word formation and metaphorical
reinterpretation. These processes enrich the Russian adjective system and align it with
the communicative demands of modern society.
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ОБРАЗОВАНИЕ НАУКА И ИННОВАЦИОННЫЕ ИДЕИ В МИРЕ
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