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phenomenon, named by the word. Each seme consists of two main
parts (components) — the semantic sign and the semic specifier.
Semantic sign — the part of the seme, common with several other
semes (round, oval rectangualr: shape; brown, white, red: colour.
Semic specifier — the part of the seme, specifying the
corresponding semantic sign (red: colour+colour of blood; loud:
sound+intensity; high: vertical size+large; large: size+big).
The field principle of the description of word meaning:
1) the meaning is a system of components (semes),
constituting a structure (sememe);
2) all components of meaning are arranged into one
functional language unit — sememe;
3) the structure of meaning includes semantic
components, belonging both to the same and different types;
4) in the structure of the meaning macrocomponents
can be singled out (denotative, connotative and others), which also
have the field structure;
5) macrocomponents are organized horizontally,
microcomponents are arranged vertically;
6) there are semantic components belonging to nucleus
and periphery;
7) the nucleus is constituted by constant, essential,
bright, and frequent semantic components;
8) the semes of periphery add to the nucleus and
stipulate the semantic development of the word;
9) the border between the semes of nucleus and
periphery is indistinct;
10) the semes that constitute one meaning can be
repeated in other meanings, the semes of nucleus in one meaning
can be those of periphery in a different one;
11) meanings can differ in some semes and coincide in
others (synonyms, antonyms, hypo- and hyperonyms).
According to the system of language semes are usual and
occasional, systemic and personal. Usual — those entering the

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