FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OF DENOMINAL VERBS OF INSTRUMENTAL SEMANTICS

Iarkova V.

This article considers instrumentality as a semantic category, focusing on the features of the functioning of Russian denominal verbs of instrumental semantics. Using the verb to cajole / to butter up / to soft-soap (i.e. умаслить in Russian) as a case study, the paper deals with its etymology, semantic nuances, and contextual usage. The analysis draws on various dictionaries and encyclopedias to map the verb’s meanings and highlights its expanded semantic potential. The study demonstrates that instrumentality is actualized in both objectified and non-objectified forms.

Keywords:functional grammar, semantic category, instrumentality, Russian, verb, denominal verb