Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'deem'

English Word: deem

Key Russian Translations:

• считать [ˈsʲtʲitʲatʲ] - [Formal/Informal]
• полагать [pəlɐˈɡatʲ] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

считать: [ˈsʲtʲitʲatʲ]

Note on считать: Stress falls on the first syllable. The "ч" is pronounced as a soft "ch" sound.

полагать: [pəlɐˈɡatʲ]

Note on полагать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "г" is pronounced as a voiced "g".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To judge or consider in a specific way

Translation(s) & Context:

• считать - Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express an opinion or judgment.
• полагать - Used in more formal or written contexts to denote belief or supposition.

Usage Examples:

• Я считаю, что это правильное решение.

  I deem this to be the right decision.

• Он считает её очень умной.

  He deems her very intelligent.

• Мы полагаем, что проект будет успешным.

  We deem the project will be successful.

• Они посчитали это предложение неприемлемым.

  They deemed this proposal unacceptable.

• Полагаю, нам стоит обсудить детали.

  I deem we should discuss the details.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

считать (Verb, Imperfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ать. It requires an object in the accusative case.

полагать (Verb, Imperfective): Also a regular verb ending in -ать, often used in formal contexts. Follows similar conjugation patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for считать/полагать:

• думать (to think) - More general and informal than считать.
• судить (to judge) - Often used in legal or critical contexts.

Antonyms for считать/полагать:

• игнорировать (to ignore)
• отвергать (to reject)

Related Phrases:

• считать нужным - to deem necessary (used when expressing necessity or obligation)
• считать себя - to deem oneself (used for self-perception or identity)
• полагать возможным - to deem possible (formal expression of possibility)

Usage Notes:

• "считать" is the more versatile and commonly used translation for "deem," suitable for most contexts where an opinion or judgment is expressed.
• "полагать" is more formal and often appears in written texts or polite speech. It can sound overly stiff in casual conversation.
• Both verbs require an object or complement to complete the meaning, often in the form of a noun in the accusative case or a subordinate clause.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "думать" interchangeably with "считать" in all contexts. While "думать" (to think) is related, it does not always carry the judgmental connotation of "deem."
  Incorrect: Я думаю это решение правильное. (Sounds incomplete or vague for "deem.")
  Correct: Я считаю это решение правильным.
• Error: Omitting the object or complement after "считать" or "полагать," which makes the sentence grammatically incomplete.
  Incorrect: Я считаю.
  Correct: Я считаю, что это важно.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian, expressing judgment or opinion with verbs like "считать" often implies a degree of personal conviction. Russians may use such verbs to assert authority or emphasize their perspective in discussions, especially in formal or intellectual contexts. Using "полагать" can signal deference or politeness, as it softens the tone of the judgment.

Related Concepts:

• оценивать (to evaluate)
• решать (to decide)
• верить (to believe)