Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'conduce'

English Word: conduce

Key Russian Translations:

• способствовать [spɐˈsɔbstvəvətʲ] - [Formal]
• приводить [prʲɪˈvodʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, often in causal contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word and its translations are encountered in formal writing and discussions, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of verb conjugations and formal structures. For 'способствовать', it may be B2; for 'приводить', it could be B1 if basic.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

способствовать: [spɐˈsɔbstvəvətʲ]

приводить: [prʲɪˈvodʲɪtʲ]

Note on способствовать: The stress falls on the third syllable; be cautious with the soft 'тʲ' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers due to its palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To lead or contribute to a particular result

Translation(s) & Context:

• способствовать - Used in formal contexts to indicate contributing to an outcome, such as in academic or professional discussions.
• приводить - Applied when describing direct causation, often in narrative or explanatory texts.

Usage Examples:

• Эта реформа способствует экономическому росту в стране.

  This reform conduces to economic growth in the country.

• Регулярные упражнения приводят к улучшению здоровья.

  Regular exercises conduce to improved health.

• Образование способствует развитию общества в целом.

  Education conduces to the development of society as a whole.

• Экологические инициативы приводят к сохранению природных ресурсов.

  Environmental initiatives conduce to the preservation of natural resources.

• Позитивное мышление способствует успеху в карьере.

  Positive thinking conduces to success in one's career.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'способствовать' and 'приводить' are verbs, which in Russian undergo conjugation based on tense, aspect, person, and number. 'Способствовать' is an imperfective verb, often used for ongoing or potential actions, while 'приводить' can be imperfective and has related perfective forms.

Note: These verbs follow regular conjugation patterns for most forms, but pay attention to stem changes and aspectual pairs (e.g., 'привести' as the perfective of 'приводить').

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • содействовать (similar to способствовать, but often implies active assistance)
  • помогать (more general, used in everyday contexts for helping)
• Antonyms:
  • препятствовать (to hinder or obstruct)
  • мешать (to interfere)

Related Phrases:

• способствовать успеху - Contributes to success (used in motivational or professional contexts).
• приводить к результатам - Leads to results (common in analytical or scientific discussions).
• способствовать развитию - To promote development (often in educational or economic phrases).

Usage Notes:

'Способствовать' and 'приводить' are formal equivalents of 'conduce', which is itself a somewhat archaic English word. Use 'способствовать' for processes that indirectly contribute, such as in policy or social contexts, while 'приводить' is better for direct causation. Always consider the aspect: imperfective forms like these describe ongoing actions. In Russian, these verbs require a dative case for the object they affect, e.g., 'способствовать чему-то' (to conduce to something). Choose based on context—'способствовать' for broader influence and 'приводить' for specific outcomes.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'способствовать' without the correct case, e.g., saying "способствовать рост" instead of "способствовать росту" (should be dative case).
  Correct: "Эта политика способствует росту экономики." (This policy conduces to economic growth.)
  Explanation: Russian verbs like this require the dative case for the indirect object, which English learners often overlook.
• Mistake: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using 'помогать' (to help) interchangeably, which is less formal and doesn't imply the same causal link.
  Correct: Use 'способствовать' for formal causation, not 'помогать' in academic writing.
  Explanation: 'Помогать' is more everyday and direct, while 'способствовать' conveys a contributory role without immediate action.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and language, words like 'способствовать' often appear in official documents, literature, and media discussions about national progress or reforms, reflecting a historical emphasis on collective advancement and state-driven initiatives, such as those in Soviet-era rhetoric.

Related Concepts:

• результат (result)
• успех (success)
• развитие (development)