Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'buttress'

English Word: buttress

Key Russian Translations:

• опора [ɐˈporə] - [Formal; Noun, used in structural or supportive contexts]
• укреплять [ʊkrʲeˈplʲætʲ] - [Formal; Verb, implying reinforcement or support]

Frequency: Medium - The word and its translations are not everyday vocabulary but appear frequently in technical, architectural, or metaphorical discussions.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) - Requires familiarity with basic Russian grammar and vocabulary; for "опора," it's straightforward, but "укреплять" involves verb conjugations.

Pronunciation (Russian):

опора: [ɐˈporə]

Note on опора: The stress falls on the second syllable ("po-RA"). This word is pronounced with a soft "r" sound, common in Russian, which may be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

укреплять: [ʊkrʲeˈplʲætʲ]

Note on укреплять: The verb has a palatalized "l" and stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the infinitive form; conjugations alter pronunciation slightly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

As a noun: A supporting structure, often in architecture.

Translation(s) & Context:

• опора - Used in formal or technical contexts to describe a physical support, such as in buildings or bridges; common in engineering discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В средневековых соборах опора играет ключевую роль в сохранении стабильности конструкции.

  English: In medieval cathedrals, the buttress plays a key role in maintaining the structure's stability.

• Русский: Эта опора была добавлена, чтобы предотвратить обрушение стены.

  English: This buttress was added to prevent the wall from collapsing.

• Русский: Архитектор спроектировал опору для укрепления фундамента.

  English: The architect designed the buttress to reinforce the foundation.

• Русский: Без опоры здание могло бы рухнуть во время землетрясения.

  English: Without the buttress, the building could collapse during an earthquake.

As a verb: To support or strengthen something.

Translation(s) & Context:

• укреплять - Used in both literal and figurative senses, such as strengthening arguments or physical structures; appropriate in formal writing or speech.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Правительство решило укреплять экономику через новые реформы.

  English: The government decided to buttress the economy through new reforms.

• Русский: Чтобы укреплять свою позицию, он привел дополнительные аргументы.

  English: To buttress his position, he provided additional arguments.

• Русский: Инженеры укрепляют мост, используя современные материалы.

  English: Engineers are buttressing the bridge using modern materials.

• Русский: Мы должны укреплять дружбу между нашими странами.

  English: We must buttress the friendship between our countries.

• Русский: Эта стратегия поможет укреплять безопасность региона.

  English: This strategy will help buttress the security of the region.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "опора" (feminine noun, first declension):

This noun follows standard Russian feminine noun patterns with regular declensions. It does not have irregularities but changes based on case and number.

For "укреплять" (verb, imperfective aspect):

This is a first conjugation verb with regular patterns. It conjugates based on tense, person, and number. Example conjugations in present tense:

Note: The perfective counterpart is "укрепить," which has similar conjugations but is used for completed actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: поддержка (podderzhka) - Similar but more general; used for any kind of support. | столб (stolb) - Specifically for a pillar or post.
• Antonyms: ослаблять (oslablyat') - Means to weaken or undermine. | разрушать (razrushat') - Implies destruction or breakdown.

Related Phrases:

• Опора общества - A pillar of society; refers to a fundamental element supporting social structures.
• Укреплять позиции - To strengthen positions; often used in military or business contexts to mean fortifying one's stance.
• Надежная опора - Reliable buttress; emphasizes stability and trustworthiness in support.

Usage Notes:

"Опора" directly corresponds to the noun form of "buttress" in architectural contexts, while "укреплять" aligns with the verb form, emphasizing reinforcement. In Russian, these words are more formal and less common in casual conversation, so use them in written or professional settings. When choosing between translations, opt for "опора" for physical structures and "укреплять" for actions. Be mindful of aspect in verbs—pair with perfective forms like "укрепить" for completed actions. Grammar note: Nouns like "опора" require agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "опора" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я вижу опора" instead of "Я вижу опору" (accusative). Correct: Ensure proper declension based on sentence structure. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; this mistake often stems from English's lack of cases.

• Error: Conjugating "укреплять" incorrectly, e.g., saying "Я укрепляют" instead of "Я укрепляю." Correct: The first person singular is "укрепляю." Explanation: Learners confuse verb endings; practice conjugation tables to master first conjugation verbs.

• Error: Overusing "опора" metaphorically without context, which can sound unnatural. Correct: Reserve for literal or semi-formal uses; in metaphors, prefer "поддержка." Explanation: Russian prefers specific words in idioms, avoiding direct translations from English.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, concepts like "опора" are often linked to architectural feats in Orthodox churches and Kremlin structures, symbolizing strength and endurance. For instance, the buttresses in St. Basil's Cathedral represent Russia's historical resilience, reflecting a cultural emphasis on stability amid adversity.

Related Concepts:

• Поддержка
• Столб
• Укрепление
• Архитектура