Semantic and structural types of epithets
Semantically, epithets fall into two groups: epithets associated with the nouns modified and e pithets not associated with the nouns modified.
Associated epithets point out typical features of the objects which they describe. Such typical features are implied by the meaning of the nouns themselves If forest, then – dark If tears, then – bitter.
Unassociated epithets ascribe such qualities to objects which are not inherent in them, as a result, metaphors emerge fresh, unexpected, expressive voiceless sands helpless loneliness.
From the point of view of their compositional structure epithets may be divided into: 1) simple (adjectives, nouns, participles): e.g. He looked at them in animal panic.
2 ) compound: expressed by compound adjectives e.g. a n apple - faced man 3) phrasal epithets: expressed by word-combinations of quotation type e.g. It is his do - it - yourself attitude. 4) clausal epithets: expressed by sentences: e.g. I-don’t-want-to-do-it felling. 5) reversed epithets - composed of 2 nouns linked by an of-phrase: e.g. "a shadow of a smile"
In the overwhelming majority of examples epithet is expressed by adjectives or qualitative adverbs (e.g. " his triumphant look " = he looked triumphantly ). Nouns come next. They are used either as exclamatory sentences (" You, ostrich !") or as postpositive attributes (" Alonzo the Clown ", " Richard (of) the Lion Heart ").
B oth adjectives and nouns are inherently descriptive, making them well-suited for epithets, which aim to highlight specific traits or qualities. Epithets often need to be concise yet impactful, and adjectives and nouns can efficiently convey meaning in a single word or short phrase. Adjectives and nouns can carry cultural, historical, or literary connotations, enriching the epithet's significance.
Epithet is a descriptive term (word or phrase) commonly accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a real or fictitious person, place, or thing Semantically, epithets fall into two groups: epithets associated with the nouns modified and epithets not associated with the nouns modified. From the point of view of their compositional structure epithets may be divided into: simple, compound, phrasal epithets, clausal epithets, reversed epithets In the overwhelming majority of examples epithet is expressed by adjectives or qualitative adverbs
