Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'conspicuous'

English Word: conspicuous

Key Russian Translations:

• заметный (/ˈzamʲɪtnɨj/) - [Formal, Adjective, Used in descriptive contexts]
• выдающийся (/vɨˈdajʊʂːɪjsjə/) - [Formal, Adjective, Often implies excellence or prominence]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian, especially in written and formal speech, but not as ubiquitous as basic vocabulary.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should grasp the concept with practice, as it involves adjective forms and contextual usage, though nuances may require B2 for full mastery.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

заметный: /ˈzamʲɪtnɨj/ (The stress is on the first syllable; note the palatalized 'm' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.)

выдающийся: /vɨˈdajʊʂːɪjsjə/ (Stress on the second syllable; pay attention to the soft 'j' sound at the end.)

Note on заметный: The pronunciation can vary slightly in rapid speech, where the 't' might soften, but in formal contexts, maintain clear articulation.

Note on выдающийся: This word often has a more emphatic pronunciation due to its positive connotations.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Easily seen or noticed, often due to being unusual or prominent.

Translation(s) & Context:

• заметный - Used in contexts describing something that stands out visually or behaviorally, such as in descriptions of people or objects in everyday or formal settings.
• выдающийся - Applied when something is not only noticeable but also exceptional, often in professional or achievement-related contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В толпе он был самым заметным благодаря яркому костюму.

  In the crowd, he was the most conspicuous due to his bright outfit.

• Её выдающийся талант сделал её заметной фигурой в мире искусства.

  Her conspicuous talent made her a prominent figure in the art world.

• Заметный рост цен на продукты вызвал беспокойство среди жителей.

  The conspicuous rise in food prices caused concern among residents.

• В тихом парке его выдающийся голос был слышен издалека.

  In the quiet park, his conspicuous voice was heard from afar.

• Заметный недостаток в плане проекта сделал его неприемлемым для инвесторов.

  The conspicuous flaw in the project plan made it unacceptable to investors.

Meaning 2: Attracting attention in a negative or awkward way.

Translation(s) & Context:

• заметный - In negative contexts, emphasizing something that draws unwanted attention, like social faux pas.
• выдающийся - Less common here, but can imply over-the-top behavior that stands out unfavorably.

Usage Examples:

• Его заметная ошибка в речи вызвала смех аудитории.

  His conspicuous mistake in the speech caused the audience to laugh.

• Выдающийся уровень шума от вечеринки разозлил соседей.

  The conspicuous level of noise from the party angered the neighbors.

• Заметный дефект на фасаде здания требовал немедленного ремонта.

  The conspicuous defect on the building's facade required immediate repair.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "заметный" and "выдающийся" are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern for most cases, but "выдающийся" is a short-form adjective in some uses, which can be less variable.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular inflections but follow the standard first-declension pattern. In short form (e.g., for predicates), "заметен" or "выдающ" might be used, which are invariable in some contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • очевидный (more straightforward, used for something plainly visible)
  • явный (implies something blatant or unmistakable, with a slight negative connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • незаметный (unnoticeable, subtle)
  • скрытый (hidden, concealed)

Related Phrases:

• заметный успех - A phrase meaning "conspicuous success," often used in professional or personal achievement contexts.
• выдающийся вклад - Refers to "conspicuous contribution," highlighting significant input in fields like science or art.
• заметный дефект - Means "conspicuous defect," commonly in discussions about quality control or inspections.

Usage Notes:

"Заметный" directly corresponds to "conspicuous" in most neutral or positive contexts, while "выдающийся" adds a layer of excellence, making it suitable for praising achievements. Be mindful of Russian adjective agreement: always match gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. In informal speech, "заметный" might be downplayed for modesty, whereas in formal writing, it's straightforward. When choosing between translations, opt for "заметный" for visual prominence and "выдающийся" for outstanding qualities.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "заметный" with "заметить" (to notice): English learners might misuse the adjective as a verb. Error: "Я заметный книгу" (incorrect). Correct: "Я заметил книгу" (I noticed the book). Explanation: "Заметный" is an adjective, not a verb form.
• Forgetting adjective inflections: Saying "заметный дом" for a feminine noun, e.g., "заметный машина" instead of "заметная машина." Error: "заметный машина." Correct: "заметная машина." Explanation: Adjectives must agree with the noun's gender.
• Overusing "выдающийся" for simple visibility: It might sound exaggerated. Error: Using it for everyday objects. Correct: Use "заметный" for neutral descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "заметный" and "выдающийся" often reflect the value placed on standing out through achievement or appearance, as seen in literature and media. For instance, in Soviet-era contexts, "выдающийся" was frequently used in official praises, emphasizing collective heroism, which can add a historical connotation to modern usage.

Related Concepts:

• видимый (visible)
• привлекательный (attractive)
• необычный (unusual)