Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'abeyance'

English Word: abeyance

Key Russian Translations:

• отложение [ɐtlɐˈʐenʲɪje] - [Formal, Legal contexts]
• задержка [zədʲɪˈrʐkə] - [Formal, General delays or suspensions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in legal, administrative, or formal discussions, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of formal Russian vocabulary and grammatical structures, as these words often appear in written or official contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

отложение: [ɐtlɐˈʐenʲɪje]

Note on отложение: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ʐenʲɪje"). Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) which affects the pronunciation of the preceding consonant, making it softer and more palatalized.

Audio: []

задержка: [zədʲɪˈrʐkə]

Note on задержка: The initial "z" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar fricative, and the stress is on the second syllable ("dʲɪ"). This word may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A state of temporary disuse, suspension, or postponement (e.g., in legal proceedings, contracts, or processes)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отложение - Used primarily in formal or legal contexts to indicate a deliberate postponement, such as in court cases or official decisions.
• задержка - Applied more broadly to unintended delays or temporary halts, such as in administrative processes or everyday situations, though still formal.

Usage Examples:

• Дело было поставлено в отложение из-за отсутствия ключевых свидетелей.

  The case was put in abeyance due to the absence of key witnesses.

• Контракт находится в состоянии задержки, пока не будут урегулированы все детали.

  The contract is in abeyance until all details are settled.

• Суд решил отложить рассмотрение вопроса до следующего заседания.

  The court decided to hold the matter in abeyance until the next session.

• Из-за технических проблем произошла задержка в выполнении проекта.

  There was an abeyance in the project execution due to technical issues.

• Правительство объявило отложение реформ на неопределенный срок.

  The government put the reforms in abeyance for an indefinite period.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "отложение" and "задержка" are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard neuter declension patterns. Russian nouns inflect for case, number, and sometimes gender. These words are regular in their inflections, but "отложение" can have variations based on context.

Note: These inflections are regular for neuter nouns ending in -ие and -ка. No irregular forms are present, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • приостановка (priostanovka) - Similar to "suspension," often used interchangeably in procedural contexts; implies a more temporary halt.
  • пауза (pauza) - Less formal, used for a break or pause, with a connotation of brevity.
• Antonyms:
  • продолжение (prodolzhenie) - Continuation or resumption, directly opposite in meaning.
  • возобновление (vozobnovlenie) - Renewal or reactivation, emphasizing the end of suspension.

Related Phrases:

• в состоянии отложения - In a state of abeyance (used in formal legal or administrative language to describe suspended status).
• принудительная задержка - Forced abeyance (implies an external compulsion, e.g., in regulatory contexts).
• отложить на потом - To put in abeyance for later (a more casual phrase meaning to delay indefinitely).

Usage Notes:

"Отложение" is the most precise translation for "abeyance" in legal or official contexts, as it directly conveys a formal suspension without implying fault. "Задержка" is better for situations involving delays due to external factors. English speakers should note that Russian often requires the appropriate case for the noun based on the sentence structure—e.g., use genitive for possession. When choosing between translations, opt for "отложение" in written or professional settings, and be aware of the word's inflection to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "отложение" with "отставка" (resignation or dismissal): Learners might misuse "отставка" thinking it means suspension, but it actually refers to removal from a position. Correct usage: Use "отложение" for temporary holds. Example of error: *Дело в отставке* (incorrect) vs. Дело в отложении (correct).
• Overusing "задержка" in formal contexts: This word can sound too casual or imply negligence; in legal writing, prefer "отложение." Error example: *Суд в задержке* (awkward) vs. Суд в отложении (proper).
• Forgetting inflections: Non-native speakers often use nouns in the nominative case universally. Error: *Из-за отложение* (incorrect) vs. Из-за отложения (genitive, correct).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and legal systems, concepts like "abeyance" (e.g., отложение) reflect a bureaucratic tradition inherited from Soviet-era administration, where processes are often delayed for procedural reasons. This can symbolize inefficiency in modern contexts, evoking frustration in everyday life, such as in government paperwork or court proceedings.

Related Concepts:

• приостановка
• продолжение
• возобновление