The comparison model as a way of expressing degree semantics in Russian syntax

The aim of the study is to identify a unified logic and methods of indirect expression of the degree meaning at two syntactic levels, based on comparison, the originality of the degree semantics of this type, and the mechanism of involving a mass of lexical units in performing the function of a degree determinant in a simple sentence. The scientific novelty of the work lies in identifying a universal model for transmitting degree semantics through comparison with the manifestation of a feature in another situation or in another carrier of the feature. The results obtained showed the presence of a unified logic, as well as specific ways to embody the comparison model when denoting the degree of a feature at the level of simple and complex sentences and their relationship: the adverbial modifier expressed by a comparative construction (“боялся как огня” – feared like fire) and an adverb (“по-царски” – royally, “адски” – hellishly, “дьявольски” – devilishly) in a simple sentence, and an adverbial clause of degree in a complex sentence. The high productivity of the comparison model in attracting words with different original semantics to perform the function of expressing degree meaning as part of a simple sentence was revealed. It was established that the degree semantics of words with different meanings – adverbs and words of different parts of speech that are part of a comparative construction – is characterized by syncretism – it arises on the basis of the meaning of quality and is often combined with it.