Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Amplify'

English Word: Amplify

Key Russian Translations:

• усиливать [ʊˈsʲilʲɪvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used for sound or signal]
• увеличивать [ʊvʲɪˈlʲitɕɪvətʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Often for increasing size or effect]
• расширять [rɐˈʂɨrʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Often metaphorical for expanding ideas]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for "усиливать" and "увеличивать"; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for "расширять"

Pronunciation (Russian):

усиливать: [ʊˈsʲilʲɪvətʲ]

Note on усиливать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "и" sounds like "ee" in "see."

увеличивать: [ʊvʲɪˈlʲitɕɪvətʲ]

Note on увеличивать: Stress on the third syllable. The "ч" is a soft "ch" sound.

расширять: [rɐˈʂɨrʲɪtʲ]

Note on расширять: Stress on the second syllable. The "ш" is a hard "sh" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To increase the volume or strength (e.g., sound, signal)

Translation(s) & Context:

• усиливать - Commonly used for amplifying sound or signals in technical or everyday contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Мы должны усилить звук, чтобы все слышали.

  We need to amplify the sound so everyone can hear.

• Этот усилитель помогает усиливать сигнал.

  This amplifier helps to amplify the signal.

• Голос был усилен через микрофон.

  The voice was amplified through the microphone.

2. To increase in size, effect, or importance

Translation(s) & Context:

• увеличивать - Used for increasing something measurable, like impact or quantity.
• расширять - Often used metaphorically for expanding ideas or influence.

Usage Examples:

• Мы хотим увеличить влияние нашей кампании.

  We want to amplify the impact of our campaign.

• Его слова только увеличили напряжение.

  His words only amplified the tension.

• Эта статья расширяет понимание проблемы.

  This article amplifies the understanding of the issue.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

усиливать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses. Below is the present tense conjugation:

Person	Form
Я (I)	усиливаю
Ты (You, informal)	усиливаешь
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	усиливает
Мы (We)	усиливаем
Вы (You, formal/plural)	усиливаете
Они (They)	усиливают

увеличивать (Verb, Imperfective): Follows similar regular conjugation patterns.

расширять (Verb, Imperfective): Also regular, with stress shifts in some forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for усиливать:

• повышать
• укреплять

Note: "повышать" often implies raising a level, while "укреплять" suggests strengthening.

Antonyms for усиливать:

• ослаблять
• уменьшать

Related Phrases:

• усиливать звук - To amplify the sound.
• увеличивать масштаб - To amplify the scale (of something).
• расширять горизонты - To amplify (broaden) horizons, often used metaphorically.

Usage Notes:

• "усиливать" is the most direct translation when referring to sound or signals. Use it in technical or audio contexts.
• "увеличивать" works better for abstract increases, like amplifying impact or importance.
• "расширять" is more metaphorical and often applies to ideas, knowledge, or influence. It is less common in everyday speech for physical amplification.
• All three verbs are imperfective, so they emphasize ongoing or repeated action. For completed actions, use their perfective counterparts (e.g., "усилить" for "усиливать").

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "усиливать" for abstract concepts like "amplifying knowledge."
  Correct: Use "расширять" instead, e.g., "расширять знания" (to amplify knowledge).
  Incorrect Example: "усиливать знания" (sounds unnatural).
• Error: Misplacing stress in "увеличивать" as [ˈuvʲɪlʲitɕɪvətʲ].
  Correct: Stress is on the third syllable [ʊvʲɪˈlʲitɕɪvətʲ].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, metaphorical uses of amplification (like "расширять горизонты" - broadening horizons) are common in educational or inspirational contexts. Such expressions often carry a positive connotation of personal growth or progress.

Related Concepts:

• повышать
• укреплять
• развивать