We consder the main tendencies of the development of the adjectival lexical units system. The point in question is primarily the lexicalization of denominative derivatives as the principal means for replenishing the class of adjectives. This process is accompanied by gradual reorientation of derivatives from the classifying function of expressing the genus-species reference of an object to expressing a qualitative feature as an autonomous mental unit, available for introduction into the plane of content of emotive-evaluative connotation and therefore, to fulfilling the semantic function of qualitative/qualitative-evaluative characterization of an object or phenomenon. On the other hand, qualitative adjectives in set complexes under the influence of the key subject name acquire a secondary, related meaning, and even fulfill the classifying function of the genus-species reference of an object. These tendencies reflect the dynamics of the adjective system development and its continual character.
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