ABSTRACT
For many researchers-linguists and philosophers alike-differences in lexical aspect have been attributed to different specifications for EQUIPOLLENT semantic features, which are used to describe temporal characteristics of verbs, VPs, and/or sentences. The relevant constitutent is assigned to lexical aspect classes based on clusters of values for such features. I show that the semantic content of lexical aspect consists rather of three PRIVATIVE features marked in the representation of a verb's semantics: [+dynamic], [+durative], and [Helic]. The marked semantic features LIMIT rather than DETERMINE lexical aspect
interpretation, because some features may be left unspecified; full interpretation is determined by pragmatic principles operating on the semantic representation within the larger discourse context.
