Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'antithetic'

English Word: antithetic

Key Russian Translations:

• антагонистический /ɐn.tə.ɡə.nʲɪsʲˈtʲi.t͡ɕɪ.skʲɪj/ - [Formal, Used in academic or philosophical contexts]
• противопоставленный /prə.tʲi.və.stəˈvlʲɛn.nɨj/ - [Formal, Often in logical or contrastive discussions]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian; more prevalent in specialized texts like philosophy or literature.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1 level or higher, as it involves understanding nuanced abstract concepts and complex adjective forms in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

антагонистический: /ɐn.tə.ɡə.nʲɪsʲˈtʲi.t͡ɕɪ.skʲɪj/

Note on антагонистический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-ти-), which can be tricky for learners due to the consonant cluster; variations may occur in fast speech.

противопоставленный: /prə.tʲi.və.stəˈvlʲɛn.nɨj/

Note on противопоставленный: Pay attention to the soft sign (ь) affecting pronunciation, making the 'л' palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Directly opposed or contrasting, often in a logical or rhetorical sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• антагонистический - Used in formal discussions of ideas that are inherently conflicting, such as in philosophy or debates.
• противопоставленный - Applied in contexts where elements are set in opposition for emphasis, like in literature or analysis.

Usage Examples:

• В его аргументации часто встречаются антагонистические идеи, которые подчеркивают противоречия.

  In his argumentation, antithetic ideas often appear, highlighting the contradictions.

• Эти два персонажа являются противопоставленными фигурами в романе, символизируя добро и зло.

  These two characters are antithetic figures in the novel, symbolizing good and evil.

• Антагонистический подход к проблеме помог выявить скрытые аспекты.

  The antithetic approach to the problem helped reveal hidden aspects.

• В научной дискуссии противопоставленные теории стимулируют дальнейшие исследования.

  In scientific discussions, antithetic theories stimulate further research.

• Его речь была построена на антагонистических контрастах, чтобы завоевать аудиторию.

  His speech was built on antithetic contrasts to win over the audience.

Meaning 2: Mutually incompatible or contradictory in nature.

Translation(s) & Context:

• антагонистический - Employed when describing elements that cannot coexist, such as in social or ideological conflicts.
• противопоставленный - Used in everyday analytical contexts to denote opposition, though less intensely than антагонистический.

Usage Examples:

• Антагонистический конфликт между двумя группами привел к длительному противостоянию.

  The antithetic conflict between the two groups led to a prolonged standoff.

• Противопоставленные ценности в обществе часто вызывают дебаты.

  Antithetic values in society often spark debates.

• В этой теории антагонистические элементы сосуществуют, создавая динамику.

  In this theory, antithetic elements coexist, creating dynamics.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are adjectives, which in Russian undergo declension based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a regular pattern for most forms, but irregularities can occur with borrowed words like these.

For антагонистический (typically masculine singular nominative):

For противопоставленный, it follows a similar adjectival pattern but is a past passive participle, which can have slight variations in perfective aspects.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • противоположный (more neutral, used for simple opposition)
  • контрастный (emphasizes visual or stark differences)
• Antonyms:
  • сходный (similar)
  • идентичный (identical)

Related Phrases:

• Антагонистические силы - Antithetic forces (Refers to opposing powers in a conflict, often in historical or political contexts.)
• Противопоставленный взгляд - Antithetic viewpoint (Used to describe a contrasting perspective in debates.)
• Антагонистическая дихотомия - Antithetic dichotomy (A phrase for mutually exclusive categories, common in philosophy.)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "антагонистический" is a direct cognate of "antagonistic" and closely mirrors the English "antithetic" in formal settings, but it carries a stronger connotation of active conflict. Choose "противопоставленный" for less intense opposition. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: always decline the adjective to match the noun's gender, number, and case. This word is rarely used in informal speech; opt for simpler synonyms in casual contexts.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using the base form without declension, e.g., saying "антагонистический дом" instead of the correct genitive "антагонистического дома" in a phrase like "the antithetic nature of the house."
  Correct: Ensure proper case agreement, as in "антагонистического характера дома."
  Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with nouns, which English learners often overlook, leading to grammatical errors.
• Mistake: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "противоположный" interchangeably without considering nuance, resulting in "противоположный идеи" (which is incorrect for intense opposition).
  Correct: Use "антагонистический идеи" for strong conflict.
  Explanation: Overgeneralization can dilute meaning; select based on context to avoid miscommunication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and philosophy, such as in the works of Dostoevsky, antithetic concepts like good vs. evil are central themes. Words like "антагонистический" reflect the Russian cultural emphasis on dialectical thinking, influenced by thinkers like Hegel, making them common in discussions of human duality and societal conflicts.

Related Concepts:

• диалектический (dialectical)
• контраст (contrast)
• противоречие (contradiction)