Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Constancy'

English Word: constancy

Key Russian Translations:

• постоянство [pəstɐˈjanstvə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• неизменность [nʲɪɪzˈmʲenːəstʲ] - [Formal, Often Abstract]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

постоянство: [pəstɐˈjanstvə]

Note on постоянство: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "о" in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound [ə] in rapid speech.

неизменность: [nʲɪɪzˈmʲenːəstʲ]

Note on неизменность: Stress on the third syllable. The double "н" is pronounced distinctly longer.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Steadfastness or Loyalty (e.g., in relationships or principles)

Translation(s) & Context:

• постоянство - Often used to describe loyalty or steadfastness in personal traits or relationships.

Usage Examples:

• Его постоянство в дружбе восхищает всех.

  His constancy in friendship amazes everyone.

• Она ценит постоянство в отношениях.

  She values constancy in relationships.

• Постоянство характера помогает ему преодолевать трудности.

  The constancy of his character helps him overcome difficulties.

2. Unchanging Quality or Stability (e.g., in conditions or states)

Translation(s) & Context:

• неизменность - Used for abstract or formal contexts, often describing immutable conditions or principles.
• постоянство - Can also apply to consistent conditions, though less formal than неизменность.

Usage Examples:

• Неизменность законов природы неоспорима.

  The constancy of the laws of nature is undeniable.

• Постоянство температуры важно для эксперимента.

  The constancy of temperature is important for the experiment.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

постоянство (noun, neuter): Follows the regular declension pattern for neuter nouns ending in -о.

Note: This noun does not have a plural form in standard usage.

неизменность (noun, feminine): Follows the regular declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

Note: This noun also lacks a plural form in common usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for постоянство:

• стабильность
• верность

Note: "стабильность" is closer to stability in conditions, while "верность" emphasizes loyalty.

Synonyms for неизменность:

• непоколебимость
• постоянство

Antonyms for both:

• изменчивость
• нестабильность

Related Phrases:

• постоянство в чувствах - Constancy in feelings (loyalty in emotions or relationships).
• неизменность принципов - Constancy of principles (unchanging adherence to beliefs).
• сохранять постоянство - To maintain constancy (to remain consistent or steadfast).

Usage Notes:

• "постоянство" is the more versatile and commonly used term for "constancy," applicable to both personal traits (loyalty) and consistent states (e.g., temperature).
• "неизменность" carries a more formal or abstract tone, often used in scientific, philosophical, or legal contexts to denote immutability.
• Choose "постоянство" for everyday conversations or emotional contexts, and "неизменность" for technical or formal discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "неизменность" in casual or emotional contexts, e.g., *неизменность в любви* (sounds overly formal and unnatural).
  Correct Usage: Use "постоянство в любви" for "constancy in love."
• Error: Mispronouncing "постоянство" by stressing the first syllable (*ˈпостоянство*).
  Correct Usage: Stress the third syllable [pəstɐˈjanstvə].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "постоянство" is often associated with valued personal qualities like loyalty and reliability, especially in friendships and family ties. It is frequently praised in literature and proverbs as a virtue.

Related Concepts:

• верность (loyalty)
• стабильность (stability)
• надёжность (reliability)