Abstract:
This paper analyzes polysemantic structures of noun diminutives in Serbian language. A connection between the types of formation and a semantic potential of diminutives is described. That potential is described as a continuum, ranging from a (1) semantic component which is bound to diminutive meaning, through (2) separation of specific meanings and formation of polisemantic structure to (3) lexicalization, which nullifies the diminutive meaning.
