Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'elixir'

English Word: elixir

Key Russian Translations:

• эликсир [ɪˈlʲɪksʲɪr] - [Formal, Singular, Used in literary or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (The word is encountered in literature, historical texts, and scientific discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to science or mythology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эликсир: [ɪˈlʲɪksʲɪr]

Note on эликсир: The stress falls on the second syllable. The 'лʲ' sound is a palatalized 'l', which can be challenging for English speakers; it sounds softer than the English 'l' in "link". Pronunciation may vary slightly in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A magical or medicinal potion believed to cure all ills or prolong life (e.g., in alchemy or fantasy contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• эликсир - Used in formal, literary, or scientific discussions, often implying something mystical or restorative.

Usage Examples:

• В древней алхимии эликсир жизни считался ключем к бессмертию.

  In ancient alchemy, the elixir of life was considered the key to immortality.

• Этот эликсир из трав помогает при простуде, но его нужно принимать с осторожностью.

  This elixir made from herbs helps with a cold, but it needs to be taken with caution.

• В сказках волшебник готовит эликсир, чтобы спасти королевство от зла.

  In fairy tales, the wizard prepares an elixir to save the kingdom from evil.

• Модернисты часто используют эликсир как метафору для идеальных решений в искусстве.

  Modernists often use elixir as a metaphor for ideal solutions in art.

Meaning 2: A substance or remedy that is considered a cure-all in modern contexts (e.g., in medicine or marketing).

Translation(s) & Context:

• эликсир - Applied in everyday or commercial language, but still formal; often seen in product descriptions or health discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот натуральный эликсир обещает улучшить иммунитет за неделю.

  This natural elixir promises to improve immunity in a week.

• Врачи не рекомендуют считать любой эликсир панацеей от всех болезней.

  Doctors do not recommend considering any elixir as a cure-all for all diseases.

• Эликсир молодости — это популярный термин в косметической индустрии.

  Elixir of youth is a popular term in the cosmetics industry.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"эликсир" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) in Russian, which follows the standard second declension pattern. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: The word is regular in its inflections, with no irregularities. For example, in a sentence: "Я пью эликсир" (I drink the elixir) vs. "Я думаю об эликсире" (I think about the elixir).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • панацея (panacea) - More general term for a universal remedy.
  • зелье (zelye) - Informal, often used in folk or magical contexts; implies a potion.
• Antonyms:
  • я poison (яд) - Directly opposite in effect, implying harm rather than healing.
  • проклятье (proklyatie) - Figurative antonym, meaning a curse or something detrimental.

Related Phrases:

• эликсир жизни (elixir of life) - A phrase referring to a mythical substance that grants immortality; used in literature and philosophy.
• эликсир молодости (elixir of youth) - Common in beauty and health contexts, implying a product that reverses aging.
• волшебный эликсир (magical elixir) - Often in fairy tales, denoting a potion with extraordinary powers.

Usage Notes:

"Эликсир" directly corresponds to the English "elixir" in its alchemical and metaphorical senses, but it is more commonly used in formal or written Russian rather than spoken language. English learners should note that Russian nouns like this one require correct case agreement; for instance, use the genitive case after prepositions like "of" (e.g., эликсира жизни). In casual conversation, alternatives like "зелье" might be preferred for a more everyday feel. When multiple translations exist, choose based on context: "эликсир" for scientific or literary precision, and "панацея" for broader cure-all implications.

Common Errors:

• Error: Misusing the case, e.g., saying "Я пью эликсир жизни" instead of "Я пью эликсир жизни" (correct as is, but learners often forget genitive in phrases like this). Correct: Use genitive for possessives, as in "эликсир жизни". Explanation: Russian requires case changes to show relationships, unlike English.

• Error: Overgeneralizing to mean any drink, e.g., confusing it with "напиток" (drink). Correct: "Эликсир" implies a special, often medicinal quality. Explanation: This word has a historical connotation from alchemy, so avoid using it for ordinary beverages.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "эликсир" is often linked to historical alchemy and folklore, drawing from traditions like those in European history. It appears in classic literature, such as in works by Pushkin or modern fantasy, symbolizing the human quest for immortality or perfection. This reflects broader Slavic themes of mysticism and the supernatural, where such concepts are romanticized in art and storytelling.

Related Concepts:

• алхимия (alchemy)
• бессмертие (immortality)
• панацея (panacea)