Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'diverge'

English Word: diverge

Key Russian Translations:

• расходиться [rɐˈʂodʲɪt͡sə] - [Verb, often used for paths, opinions, or abstract divergences; Informal/Formal]
• отклоняться [ɐtklɐˈnʲæt͡sə] - [Verb, typically for deviating from a path or norm; Formal, Plural forms applicable]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday and literary contexts, but not as frequent as basic verbs)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate for расходиться; B1 for отклоняться, as they involve reflexive verb structures and basic conjugations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

расходиться: [rɐˈʂodʲɪt͡sə]

Note on расходиться: This is a reflexive verb with stress on the second syllable; the 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh' which can be challenging for English speakers.

отклоняться: [ɐtklɐˈnʲæt͡sə]

Note on отклоняться: Stress falls on the third syllable; pay attention to the soft 'н' which affects the preceding vowel.

Audio: Play pronunciation for расходиться | Play for отклоняться (Note: Replace with actual audio file links.)

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To separate and go in different directions (e.g., paths or ideas)

Translation(s) & Context:

• расходиться - Used in physical or metaphorical contexts, such as roads diverging or opinions splitting; common in both spoken and written Russian.
• отклоняться - Applied when something deviates from a standard path, often in formal or scientific discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Дороги расходятся в лесу, и мы потерялись.

  The roads diverge in the forest, and we got lost.

• Наши мнения расходятся по этому вопросу.

  Our opinions diverge on this issue.

• Реки расходятся, образуя дельту.

  Rivers diverge, forming a delta.

• Группа решила расходиться по домам после встречи.

  The group decided to diverge and go home after the meeting.

Meaning 2: To deviate from a main path or idea

Translation(s) & Context:

• отклоняться - Used in contexts involving departure from norms, such as in debates or scientific theories; formal and precise.
• расходиться - Less common for this meaning but can be used informally for ideas diverging.

Usage Examples:

• В его аргументах отклоняться от основного тезиса.

  In his arguments, he tends to diverge from the main thesis.

• Эксперимент начал отклоняться от ожидаемых результатов.

  The experiment started to diverge from the expected results.

• Не отклоняйся от темы во время презентации.

  Don't diverge from the topic during the presentation.

• Идея отклоняется из-за новых данных.

  The idea begins to diverge due to new data.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs and exhibit typical Russian verb conjugations. расходиться is a reflexive verb (ending in -ся), while отклоняться is also reflexive. They follow imperfective aspect patterns.

For расходиться (imperfective, reflexive):

For отклоняться (imperfective, reflexive): It follows similar patterns but is less irregular.

These verbs do not change in gender or number in the infinitive form but conjugate based on subject.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • разойтись (razoytis' - similar to расходиться, but more about complete separation)
  • отвлекаться (otvlekat'sya - for diverging attention, with a nuance of distraction)
• Antonyms:
  • сходиться (skhoditsya - to converge or come together)
  • соответствовать (sootvetstvovat' - to correspond or align)

Related Phrases:

• Пути расходятся - Paths diverge (Used metaphorically for life choices; implies irreversible separation.)
• Отклоняться от плана - To diverge from the plan (Common in business or project contexts; suggests deviation needs correction.)
• Мнения расходятся - Opinions diverge (Indicates disagreement in discussions; often in formal settings.)

Usage Notes:

Diverge translates most accurately to расходиться for physical or abstract separations, while отклоняться is better for deviations from a standard. In Russian, these verbs are reflexive, so always include the -ся ending. Use расходиться in informal conversations about daily life, and отклоняться in more formal or academic contexts. Be mindful of aspect: these are imperfective, implying ongoing action, so pair with perfective forms like разойтись for completed actions.

• When choosing between translations, opt for расходиться if the divergence is mutual or natural, and отклоняться if it's a deliberate or unintended deviation.
• Grammar note: These verbs require agreement with the subject in person and number.

Common Errors:

English learners often forget the reflexive -ся ending, saying "расходить" instead of "расходиться," which changes the meaning entirely (e.g., to distribute). Correct: Use "расходиться" for proper reflexive action. Another error is confusing it with "сходиться," leading to antonym misuse in sentences like "Дороги сходятся" when meaning diverge—correct to "расходятся." Explanation: Russian verbs have specific prefixes that alter meanings, so pay attention to context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature and culture, phrases like "пути расходятся" often symbolize life's divergences, as seen in works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, reflecting themes of fate and choice. This usage highlights Russia's philosophical emphasis on existential separation, differing from English's more literal interpretations.

Related Concepts:

• конвергировать (konvergirovat' - to converge)
• вариация (variatsiya - variation)
• дивергенция (divergentsiya - divergence, a direct borrowing)