SEMANTIC FEATURES AND STYLISTIC USE OF LEXICAL ANTONYMS IN THE LANGUAGE OF ABDULLA QODIRIY’S NOVELS

Abstract

This article examines the semantic features and stylistic use of lexical antonyms in the language of Abdulla Qodiriy’s novels from a linguistic and literary perspective. Lexical antonyms are analyzed as important units that strengthen semantic contrast, reveal character psychology, intensify evaluative meaning, and shape artistic expression in narrative discourse. The study focuses on the antonymic pairs found in the novels, their contextual meanings, structural types, and expressive potential within authorial narration and character speech. Particular attention is paid to how antonyms function not only as lexical oppositions but also as stylistic devices that deepen conflict, clarify social and moral contrasts, and enhance the emotional power of the text. The article argues that in Qodiriy’s novels antonymic relations play a significant role in representing historical reality, national worldview, and individual mentality through vivid and meaningful language. The research also demonstrates that lexical antonyms contribute to textual cohesion and artistic imagery by organizing opposition-based meanings at both sentence and discourse levels. As a result, the semantic and stylistic value of antonyms is shown to be an essential component of the writer’s idiolect and of the broader expressive resources of Uzbek literary language.