Between similarity, approximation, and evaluation: a corpus-based study of Russian [X- podobnyj ]

The domain of similarity frequently intersects with those of approximation and evaluation. This study investigates this interaction through a Russian morphological construction whose meanings span all three domains. Adopting the framework of Construction Morphology and a corpus-based approach, the paper describes the formal, semantic, and functional properties of Russian [X- podobnyj ], in which the adjective podobnyj ‘similar’ attaches to a nominal base to form adjectives to convey various similarity-based meanings. The results align with studies on other languages and identify four main functions of [X- podobnyj ], namely, resemblance, kin-categorization, imitation, and metaphorical evaluation. From a constructionist perspective, four distinct constructions are identified, in which recurring semantic properties (e.g., the semantic type of base - podobnyj attaches to) pair with specific functions. Rather than forming isolated patterns, the four constructions constitute a synchronically motivated network, providing further evidence that similarity, approximation, and evaluation are tightly interconnected domains.