THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
68
GRADUAL SEMANTICS OF PHRASEOLOGISMS IN THE ENGLISH
LANGUAGE
Niyozova Mashhura Usmonovna
Researcher:
Email: niyozova.86@mail.ru
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13994954
Abstract.
Many linguists have conducted studies on phraseologisms to
date. However, the gradual semantics of phraseological units has not been
thoroughly examined yet. Therefore, the author of this paper intends to explore
the factors that affect the gradual semantics of phraseological units and provide
relevant examples to illustrate them.
Key words:
gradual semantics, phraseologisms, context, formality,
emotional intensity, cultural variation.
INTRODUCTION
Phraseologisms are fixed expressions, idioms, or set phrases in a language
whose meaning cannot always be deduced from the individual meanings of their
components [3].
The Concept of Gradual Semantics: Gradual semantics refers to the subtle
shifts or degrees of meaning that can occur in phraseological units depending on
factors such as context, formality, emotional intensity, and cultural variation [7].
The aim of this thesis is to explore how gradual semantics affects the
meaning of phraseologisms in various contexts and how these shifts contribute
to the understanding of phraseological expressions in different languages.
ANALYSIS AND THE RESULTS
Gradual semantics of phraseologisms refers to the subtle shifts or degrees
of meaning that can occur within fixed expressions or idioms, depending on
their usage, context, and component elements. Phraseologisms, or fixed
expressions, often have meanings that extend beyond the literal combination of
their words. However, their semantic range can vary or "gradually" shift in
intensity, formality, or connotation based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown
of gradual semantics in phraseologisms:
1. Contextual Variation.
The meaning of a phraseologism can change
subtly based on the context in which it is used. For example, the phrase "break
the ice" typically means to initiate a conversation in a tense or formal situation.
However, the exact degree of awkwardness or tension that is implied can vary
depending on the context, ranging from a minor social discomfort to a significant
interpersonal barrier.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
69
- Example: "Break the ice" may vary in meaning based on the formal or
informal nature of the situation [3].
2. Synonymic Variability.
Within a language, there are often several
phraseological units that express similar ideas but differ in their intensity or
emotional load. For instance, in English, "shed tears" and "cry one’s eyes out"
both refer to crying, but the second phrase suggests a much more intense
emotional state. These expressions show gradual differences in meaning.
- Example: "Shed tears" versus "cry one’s eyes out [4]."
3. Stylistic Nuances.
Phraseologisms often carry stylistic or register-based
nuances. Some may be more formal, while others are colloquial or informal. This
contributes to the gradual semantics by allowing the same phraseological idea to
be expressed with varying degrees of seriousness, humor, or politeness. For
example, "kick the bucket" (informal) and "pass away" (formal) both mean "to
die," but the semantic impact is different due to their stylistic qualities.
- Example: "Kick the bucket" vs. "pass away" as an illustration of register-
based shifts in meaning [8].
4. Componential Semantics.
The individual words within a phraseologism
can also affect its overall meaning through gradual semantics. Although
phraseologisms are generally non-compositional (i.e., their meaning cannot be
deduced from individual words), certain components can still influence subtle
shifts in meaning. For example, in the phrase "hold one's tongue" (meaning to
stay silent), the verb "hold" suggests a conscious effort, implying more restraint
than simply "keeping quiet."
5. Connotation and Emotional Gradation.
Many phraseologisms carry
emotional or connotative meanings that can change in intensity. For example,
"be over the moon" expresses extreme happiness, while "be on cloud nine" also
refers to happiness but might imply a slightly less intense emotional state. This
shift demonstrates the gradual nature of semantics in phraseologisms.
- Example: "Over the moon" vs. "on cloud nine [6]."
6. Cultural and Social Factors.
The gradual semantics of
phraseologisms can also be influenced by cultural or societal changes. As certain
expressions gain or lose favor in language, their meaning or emotional impact
may gradually shift. Over time, an expression that once had a positive or neutral
connotation might take on a negative tone or vice versa.
- Example: The meaning of a phrase like "strike while the iron is hot" in
different cultural contexts [9].
SUMMARY
THEORETICAL ASPECTS IN THE FORMATION OF
PEDAGOGICAL SCIENCES
International scientific-online conference
70
In summary, gradual semantics in phraseologisms reflects the fluidity of
meaning in fixed expressions, which can be influenced by factors such as
context, synonymic variation, stylistic usage, componential meaning, and
cultural evolution. These gradual shifts allow phraseologisms to adapt to
different communicative needs while retaining their core idiomatic meaning.
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