Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contour'

English Word: Contour

Key Russian Translations:

• контур [ˈkontur] - [Formal, General Use]
• очертание [ɐt͡ɕɪrˈtanʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often Poetic or Descriptive]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

контур: [ˈkontur]

Note on контур: Stress falls on the first syllable. The 'r' is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

очертание: [ɐt͡ɕɪrˈtanʲɪjə]

Note on очертание: Stress on the third syllable. The soft 'н' sound is palatalized, a common feature in Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Outline or Shape (Physical or Abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• контур - Used for technical or general outlines, such as maps, drawings, or concepts.
• очертание - Often used for visible shapes or silhouettes, especially in descriptive or artistic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Контур карты был чётко виден на экране.

  The contour of the map was clearly visible on the screen.

• Очертания гор вырисовывались на горизонте.

  The contours of the mountains were outlined on the horizon.

• Архитектор нарисовал контур здания.

  The architect drew the contour of the building.

• Очертания её лица были едва различимы в темноте.

  The contours of her face were barely visible in the dark.

• Контур плана уже готов, осталось добавить детали.

  The contour of the plan is ready; only the details need to be added.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

контур (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

очертание (Noun, Neuter, Inanimate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for контур:

• абрис
• очерк

Note: "абрис" is more technical, often used in drafting, while "очерк" can imply a sketch or draft.

Synonyms for очертание:

• силуэт
• форма

Antonyms:

• содержание (content, as opposed to outline)

Related Phrases:

• контурный рисунок - Contour drawing (a style of drawing focusing on outlines).
• очертания фигуры - Contours of a figure (used to describe the visible shape of a person or object).
• контур карты - Map contour (refers to the outline or boundary lines on a map).

Usage Notes:

• "контур" is more commonly used in technical or abstract contexts, such as maps, plans, or concepts, while "очертание" is more descriptive and often used for visible or artistic shapes.
• Both terms can overlap in meaning when referring to outlines, but "очертание" often carries a poetic or visual nuance.
• Be mindful of grammatical gender: "контур" is masculine, while "очертание" is neuter, affecting adjective agreement.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "контур" when a more descriptive term like "очертание" is appropriate, e.g., saying "контур лица" instead of "очертания лица" for "contours of the face." Explanation: "контур" sounds overly technical for human features; "очертание" is more natural.
• Error: Incorrect case usage, e.g., using nominative "контур" instead of genitive "контура" after prepositions like "без" (without). Correct: "без контура" (without a contour).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and art, "очертание" is often used metaphorically to describe vague or emerging shapes, reflecting a cultural appreciation for subtlety and imagery. For instance, it might describe the faint outline of a memory or idea, not just physical shapes.

Related Concepts:

• силуэт (silhouette)
• абрис (outline, technical)
• граница (boundary)