Conceptual basis of synonyms as a way of revealing their syntagmatic potential

The article considers the conceptual basis of synonyms estimate, appraisal, assessment as a way of revealing their potential in combinations with adjectives. In the meaning of these synonyms there is a common sense “evaluation”, however, there are certain deep meaning components which should be taken into account when these synonyms go with adjectives. This article suggests the conceptual analysis of the given synonyms as a way of characterising their syntagmatic relations. Revealing characteristics of concepts ESTIMATE, APPRAISAL, ASSESSMENT leads to bringing to light all possible interactions of synonyms' meaning and adjectives' meaning in syntagmatic relations. The conceptual-definitional analysis is a major method of investigation which allows to study what is in common and what is different in the use of the given synonyms. They go with temporal and evaluative adjectives, as well as with adjectives of space semantics and those which denote an accurate, exact and complete performance. The independence of an estimating, appraising and assessing person and his/her licence or status as well as his/her interest are also important. Focusing on different conceptual characteristics leads to the differentiation of the given synonyms in their combinations with adjectives. The results of the case study support the proposed approach and can be regarded as a practical guide for the analysis of other synonyms' syntagmatic potential, developing the linguistic competence of translators, teaching English as a foreign language and business advertising.