3.17 ยท Learn + reference Semantic Classes and Word Formation 0 of 10 lessons complete
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Lesson 2 of 10

Qualitative diagnostics

Qualitative meanings are often gradable and can support comparison, degree adverbs, short forms, or evaluative derivation.

  • These are tendencies, not a checklist every adjective must satisfy. Lexical gaps, semantics, and style can block an otherwise expected form.
3.17 · Qualitative diagnostics · table 1
DiagnosticExampleWhat it shows
degreeо́чень ти́хийintensifiable property
comparativeти́шеordered scale
short formКомна́та тиха́.predicate series
antonymти́хий — шу́мныйquality contrast
evaluative suffixтихова́тыйslightly/insufficiently quiet
Worked example

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3.17 · Qualitative diagnostics · table 1

degree · о́чень ти́хий · intensifiable propertycomparative · ти́ше · ordered scale
Mini-check

Give three diagnostics for бы́стрый. Does a missing short form prove 'relative'?

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