Keyword: «functioning»

The article analyzes the semantics and functioning of two synonymous verbs in modern Russian, and identifies their common features and peculiarities. Despite the apparent semantic proximity of the synonyms, the article identifies the reasons and argues for the implicit opposition of the verbs, which is caused by differences in their contextual fixedness and expression: a blessing is perceived as a well-wishing expressed through a verbal formula, while a sign of the cross is perceived as a well-wishing expressed through a gesture.