Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Contrast'

English Word: Contrast

Key Russian Translations:

• контраст [ˈkontrast] - [Neutral, General Use]
• противопоставление [prətʲɪvəpəstɐˈvlʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Abstract or Literary]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate) for "контраст"; B1 (Intermediate) for "противопоставление"

Pronunciation (Russian):

контраст: [ˈkontrast]

Note on контраст: Stress falls on the first syllable, similar to English. Easy for English speakers.

противопоставление: [prətʲɪvəpəstɐˈvlʲenʲɪjə]

Note on противопоставление: Stress on the fourth syllable. Pay attention to soft consonants like "тʲ" and "лʲ".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Difference Between Things (Visual or Abstract)

Translation(s) & Context:

• контраст - Used for visual differences (e.g., color contrast) or general differences.

Usage Examples:

• Контраст между светом и тенью делает картину выразительной.

  The contrast between light and shadow makes the painting expressive.

• На белом фоне чёрный текст создаёт сильный контраст.

  Black text on a white background creates a strong contrast.

• Его поведение контрастирует с его словами.

  His behavior contrasts with his words.

2. Opposition or Comparison (Abstract, Intellectual)

Translation(s) & Context:

• противопоставление - Used in formal or literary contexts for opposition or conceptual comparison.

Usage Examples:

• Автор использует противопоставление добра и зла в своём романе.

  The author uses the contrast of good and evil in their novel.

• Противопоставление двух культур стало темой обсуждения.

  The contrast between two cultures became the topic of discussion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

контраст (Noun, Masculine, Inanimate):

противопоставление (Noun, Neuter, Inanimate): Follows regular neuter noun declension patterns. Key forms include Nominative Singular: "противопоставление", Genitive Singular: "противопоставления".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for контраст:

• различие (difference, less emphasis on opposition)
• несоответствие (discrepancy, often negative)

Antonyms for контраст:

• сходство (similarity)
• гармония (harmony)

Related Phrases:

• сильный контраст - Strong contrast (used for striking differences)
• контраст цветов - Color contrast (common in design and art)
• противопоставление идей - Contrast of ideas (used in intellectual discussions)

Usage Notes:

• "контраст" is the more common and versatile term, suitable for both literal (visual) and figurative contrasts. It closely mirrors the English "contrast" in most contexts.
• "противопоставление" is more formal and often used in academic, literary, or philosophical discussions to denote opposition or juxtaposition of concepts.
• Be mindful of context when choosing between the two; "контраст" is safer for everyday use, while "противопоставление" may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "противопоставление" in casual contexts, e.g., "На картинке есть противопоставление цветов" (incorrect).
• Correction: Use "контраст" instead: "На картинке есть контраст цветов" (correct for color contrast in a painting).
• Explanation: "противопоставление" implies a deliberate or intellectual opposition, not a visual difference, and is inappropriate for everyday descriptions.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "контраст" is often highlighted in literature and art, reflecting the country's history of stark social and environmental contrasts (e.g., harsh winters vs. bright summers, rural vs. urban life). This cultural lens may influence how Russians perceive and describe contrasts compared to English speakers.

Related Concepts:

• различие (difference)
• сравнение (comparison)
• противоречие (contradiction)