Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'catalyze'

English Word: catalyze

Key Russian Translations:

• катализировать [IPA: /kə.tə.lɪ.zɪˈrʊ.vətʲ/] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in scientific, technical, and academic contexts; less frequent in everyday conversation).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Requires familiarity with Russian verb conjugations and scientific terminology; suitable for learners with a basic grasp of chemistry-related vocabulary.

Pronunciation (Russian):

катализировать: [IPA: /kə.tə.lɪ.zɪˈrʊ.vətʲ/]

Note on катализировать: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-зиˈ-). Pronunciation can vary slightly in fast speech, where the initial 'kə' might soften. Pay attention to the palatalized 'tʲ' sound at the end.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To accelerate a chemical reaction without being consumed (as in chemistry).

Translation(s) & Context:

• катализировать - Used in formal scientific discussions, such as in laboratories or research papers, to describe the action of a catalyst in chemical processes.

Usage Examples:

• Этот фермент катализирует реакцию окисления. (This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation reaction.)

  English: This enzyme catalyzes the oxidation reaction. (Context: Scientific explanation in a biology textbook.)

• В промышленности часто используют катализаторы, чтобы катализировать химические процессы. (In industry, catalysts are often used to catalyze chemical processes.)

  English: In industry, catalysts are often used to catalyze chemical processes. (Context: Discussion of industrial applications.)

• Ученые смогли катализировать реакцию, добавив редкий металл. (Scientists were able to catalyze the reaction by adding a rare metal.)

  English: Scientists were able to catalyze the reaction by adding a rare metal. (Context: Research report on chemical innovations.)

• Без катализатора процесс может занять часы, но с ним он катализируется мгновенно. (Without a catalyst, the process can take hours, but with it, it is catalyzed instantly.)

  English: Without a catalyst, the process can take hours, but with it, it is catalyzed instantly. (Context: Comparison in a chemistry lecture.)

• В лабораторных условиях мы катализируем реакции для повышения эффективности. (In laboratory conditions, we catalyze reactions to increase efficiency.)

  English: In laboratory conditions, we catalyze reactions to increase efficiency. (Context: Practical application in experimental settings.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Катализировать is a first-conjugation verb in Russian, derived from the noun "катализ" (catalysis). It follows regular patterns for most forms but may require attention to spelling changes in certain conjugations.

Note: The verb is imperfective by nature, meaning it describes ongoing or repeated actions. For perfective aspects, related forms like "скатализировать" might be used in specific contexts, but they are less common.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: стимулировать (stimulirovat' - to stimulate, often used interchangeably in broader contexts); ускорять (uskorjat' - to accelerate, for non-chemical speeding up).
• Brief note: "Стимулировать" implies a broader motivational effect, while "катализировать" is specific to chemical reactions.
• Antonyms: тормозить (tormozit' - to inhibit or slow down); подавлять (podavlyat' - to suppress, in reaction contexts).

Related Phrases:

• Катализировать реакцию - To catalyze a reaction (Common in scientific discussions; refers to speeding up chemical processes without alteration).
• Каталитический процесс - Catalytic process (Used in industrial or lab settings; describes a method involving catalysts).
• Биологический катализ - Biological catalysis (Refers to natural catalysis in living organisms; important in biochemistry).

Usage Notes:

Катализировать directly corresponds to the English "catalyze" in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry and biology. It is typically used in formal or technical language, so avoid it in casual conversations. Grammatically, as a verb, it must agree with the subject in person, number, and tense. When choosing between translations like "стимулировать," opt for "катализировать" if the context is strictly chemical to maintain precision. Be mindful of its imperfective aspect, which emphasizes the process rather than completion.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "катализировать" in non-scientific contexts, e.g., saying "Эта идея катализирует мой интерес" instead of "стимулирует" (stimulates). Correct: "Эта идея стимулирует мой интерес." Explanation: "Катализировать" is too literal and technical for metaphorical use.
• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Я катализируюreaction" (missing object or improper sentence structure). Correct: "Я катализирую реакцию." Explanation: Always include the object (e.g., "реакцию") and ensure proper verb agreement.
• Error: Confusing with "катализ" (the noun for catalysis), e.g., using it as a verb directly. Correct usage: Use "катализировать" for the action. Explanation: Learners often mix noun and verb forms, leading to awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific literature, terms like "катализировать" reflect the influence of international chemistry standards, often borrowed from English or German. While not culturally specific, it underscores Russia's emphasis on STEM education and research, where such vocabulary is prevalent in academic and industrial settings.

Related Concepts:

• Катализ
• Реакция
• Фермент
• Стимул