Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contradiction'

English Word: Contradiction

Key Russian Translations:

• Противоречие [prətʲɪvɐˈrʲetʲɪjə] - [Formal, Neutral]
• Несоответствие [nʲɪsɐtvʲɪtˈstvʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often used in written contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, philosophical, and analytical discussions)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations due to nuanced usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

Противоречие: [prətʲɪvɐˈrʲetʲɪjə]

Note on Противоречие: Stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ре"). The "о" in the first syllable is reduced to a schwa sound due to Russian vowel reduction rules.

Несоответствие: [nʲɪsɐtvʲɪtˈstvʲɪjə]

Note on Несоответствие: Stress is on the fifth syllable ("ств"). Pay attention to the soft consonants "с" and "т" before "в".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Logical or Verbal Disagreement (Opposition in Statements or Ideas)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Противоречие - Used to describe a logical inconsistency or opposition between ideas, often in debates or discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В его словах есть явное противоречие.

  There is a clear contradiction in his words.

• Противоречие между теорией и практикой очевидно.

  The contradiction between theory and practice is obvious.

• Он сам себе противоречит в этом вопросе.

  He contradicts himself on this issue.

2. Inconsistency or Discrepancy (Mismatch in Facts or Details)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Несоответствие - Often refers to a discrepancy or mismatch, especially in formal or written contexts like reports or data.
• Противоречие - Can also be used, though less common in technical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• В отчёте обнаружено несоответствие между данными.

  A contradiction (discrepancy) between the data was found in the report.

• Несоответствие фактов вызвало сомнения.

  The contradiction (inconsistency) of facts raised doubts.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Противоречие (Noun, Neuter):

Несоответствие (Noun, Neuter): Follows similar declension patterns as "Противоречие". Notable for its longer form and stress shift in some cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Противоречие:

• Конфликт
• Разногласие

Note: "Конфликт" often implies a stronger clash, while "Разногласие" is more about disagreement in opinions.

Antonyms for Противоречие:

• Согласие
• Гармония

Related Phrases:

• Внутреннее противоречие - Internal contradiction (used for personal or ideological conflicts)
• Противоречить самому себе - To contradict oneself (common in discussions of inconsistency)
• Несоответствие требованиям - Failure to meet requirements (formal, often in legal or technical contexts)

Usage Notes:

• "Противоречие" is the more versatile and commonly used term for "contradiction", suitable for both logical and abstract contexts. It often appears in philosophical or argumentative discussions.
• "Несоответствие" is more specific to discrepancies in data, facts, or expectations, and is frequently used in formal writing or technical reports.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between the two; using "Несоответствие" in casual speech may sound overly formal or out of place.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Несоответствие" in casual conversation about personal disagreements.
  Incorrect: Между нами несоответствие. (Sounds unnatural)
  Correct: Между нами противоречие. (Natural and appropriate)
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., stressing the first syllable of "Противоречие". This can lead to misunderstanding. Always stress "ре".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, pointing out a "Противоречие" (contradiction) in someone's argument is often seen as a sign of critical thinking, especially in intellectual or academic settings. However, doing so in casual or personal conversations may come across as confrontational if not phrased diplomatically.

Related Concepts:

• Дискуссия (Discussion)
• Аргумент (Argument)
• Логика (Logic)