Approximation as a Semantic Process of Occasional Modification of the Meaning

Abstract

Approximation is a semantic process when occasional modification of meaning, i.e. partial actualization of a linguistic unit is carried out. This process takes place when one of the elements of a situation, an object, an action or a quality mentioned is questionable as to its correspondence to the referent. As a result of this the latter is denoted approximately, not precisely by the speaker or writer. The paper examines different types of approximators (approximators proper, minimizers, compromizers) in order to assess the semantic relations between certain adverbs that function as approximators. The analysis shows that the adverbs used as approximators are not identical and cannot be called absolute synonyms. Vocabulary acquisition is not an easy job for foreign language learners. It becomes even more challenging when it comes to the learning of synonyms. Though synonymous approximators share some of the meanings, they are not interchangeable in all contexts. Furthermore, the analysis comes to prove that the occurrence of approximators across various registers differs.

Keywords

• approximation
• modification of meaning
• minimizer
• compromizer
• absolute synonym
• near synonym