Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Conjecture'

English Word: Conjecture

Key Russian Translations:

• предположение [prʲɪd.pɐ.ˈloʐ.ɨnʲɪ.jə] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• догадка [dɐ.ˈɡat.kə] - [Informal, Speculative Tone]
• гипотеза [ɡʲɪ.ˈpo.tʲɪ.zə] - [Formal, Scientific or Academic Context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic and speculative discussions)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

предположение: [prʲɪd.pɐ.ˈloʐ.ɨnʲɪ.jə]

Note on предположение: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced fricative, distinct from English sounds.

догадка: [dɐ.ˈɡat.kə]

Note on догадка: Stress on the second syllable. The final "a" is reduced in casual speech.

гипотеза: [ɡʲɪ.ˈpo.tʲɪ.zə]

Note on гипотеза: Stress on the second syllable. Often used in formal writing or speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A Guess or Assumption (General)

Translation(s) & Context:

• предположение - Used for general assumptions or suppositions in everyday or professional contexts.
• догадка - Often implies a personal hunch or informal speculation.

Usage Examples:

• Это только предположение, но, возможно, он прав.

  This is just a conjecture, but perhaps he is right.

• У меня есть догадка, кто это сделал.

  I have a conjecture about who did this.

• Его предположение оказалось верным.

  His conjecture turned out to be correct.

2. A Formal or Scientific Hypothesis

Translation(s) & Context:

• гипотеза - Used in academic, scientific, or formal discussions to denote a testable theory or conjecture.

Usage Examples:

• Эта гипотеза требует дальнейших исследований.

  This conjecture requires further research.

• Ученые предложили новую гипотезу о происхождении Вселенной.

  Scientists proposed a new conjecture about the origin of the universe.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

предположение (Noun, Neuter): Declines according to the second declension pattern.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	предположение	предположения
Genitive	предположения	предположений
Dative	предположению	предположениям
Accusative	предположение	предположения
Instrumental	предположением	предположениями
Prepositional	о предположении	о предположениях

догадка (Noun, Feminine): Follows the first declension pattern. Similar table can be constructed if needed.

гипотеза (Noun, Feminine): Also follows the first declension pattern, with regular endings.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for предположение:

• допущение
• версия

Note: "допущение" often implies a working assumption, while "версия" suggests a version or theory.

Antonyms for предположение:

• факт
• доказательство

Related Phrases:

• выдвигать предположение - To put forward a conjecture.
• строить догадки - To make conjectures or guesses.
• научная гипотеза - A scientific conjecture or hypothesis.

Usage Notes:

• "предположение" is the most versatile and neutral term for "conjecture," suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
• "догадка" carries a more personal or speculative tone and is less appropriate in academic settings.
• "гипотеза" should be reserved for formal, scientific, or theoretical conjectures, as it implies a structured proposition.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these translations, as they are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "гипотеза" in casual conversation for a simple guess. Incorrect: У меня есть гипотеза, что он опоздает. Correct: У меня есть предположение, что он опоздает. Explanation: "гипотеза" is too formal for everyday guesses.
• Error: Misplacing stress in "предположение." Many learners stress the first syllable, which is incorrect. The stress is on "ло" (third syllable).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian academic culture, the term "гипотеза" carries significant weight, often associated with rigorous testing and validation. Using it lightly can signal a lack of understanding of scientific discourse in Russian.

Related Concepts:

• теория (theory)
• предположительный (hypothetical)
• доказательство (proof)