Functioning specifics of epithets in M. Yu. Lermontov's literary works

The specifics of simple and complex epithets transformation in the language of M.YU. Lermontov's literary works of different periods is analyzed in the study. The figurative and expressive means used by the poet indicate the priority position of the epithet in his artistic world, representing the evolution of his mental-lingual picture of the world and the transition from the romantic tradition to the realistic one. The study explores the role of the epithet in the creation of emotional, emotional-oratorial, and realistic varieties of artistic style.