Old English verbs of increasing: the semantics and syntax of change in size

Abstract

This article aims at defining a class of Old English verbs of increasing based on both their common semantic components and grammatical behavior. On the theoretical side, the framework of verb classes and alternations is combined with Role and Reference Grammar. The data selected for this study have been extracted from both textual and lexicographical sources. After the analysis of the linking between syntax and semantics in this set of verbs, the conclusion is reached that āðindan, āweaxan, ēacan, (ge)ēacnian and (ge)weaxan are the best candidates for membership of the verbal class of increasing, considering the constructions and alternations that they present.