Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'eminence'

English Word: eminence

Key Russian Translations:

• выдающееся положение [/vɨˈdaːjʊʂɕejəsʲə pələˈʐɛnʲjə/] - [Formal, used in contexts of status or achievement]
• известность [/ɪzˈvʲes(t)nəsʲtʲ/] - [Informal, emphasizing fame or recognition]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal writing and discussions about social status)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun phrases and formal vocabulary; for 'известность', it might be A2 for basic contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выдающееся положение: /vɨˈdaːjʊʂɕejəsʲə pələˈʐɛnʲjə/

Note on выдающееся положение: This phrase involves stress on the second syllable of 'выдающееся', which can be tricky for learners due to the soft consonants; regional variations may soften the 'ш' sound.

известность: /ɪzˈvʲes(t)nəsʲtʲ/

Note on известность: The 'в' is pronounced as a voiced fricative; be careful with the palatalized 'тʲ' at the end, common in Russian nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. High rank, status, or prominence in society

Translation(s) & Context:

• выдающееся положение - Used in formal or professional contexts to describe elevated social or professional status, often in historical or biographical discussions.
• известность - Applied in everyday contexts for fame or recognition, such as in media or personal achievements.

Usage Examples:

• Его выдающееся положение в правительстве принесло ему уважение со стороны коллег.

  His eminence in the government earned him respect from his colleagues.

• Благодаря своей известности, она смогла повлиять на общественное мнение.

  Thanks to her eminence, she was able to influence public opinion.

• В истории России многие деятели достигали выдающегощегося положения через упорный труд.

  In Russian history, many figures achieved eminence through hard work.

• Его известность в мире искусства сделала его иконой современности.

  His eminence in the art world made him an icon of modernity.

• Достижение выдающегощегося положения требует не только таланта, но и настойчивости.

  Achieving eminence requires not only talent but also persistence.

2. Eminence as in physical elevation (less common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• высота - Used metaphorically or literally for elevation, but rarely for the English 'eminence' in social contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Гора представляла собой выдающуюся высоту в ландшафте.

  The mountain represented an eminence in the landscape.

• Его речь подняла его на новую высоту в глазах аудитории.

  His speech elevated him to a new eminence in the eyes of the audience.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'выдающееся положение' is a noun phrase where 'положение' (neuter noun) follows standard Russian declension patterns. It inflects based on case, number, and gender.

'известность' is a feminine noun with regular declension:

Note: These are regular patterns; no irregularities here.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: известность (similar but focuses on fame), превосходство (implies superiority), значимость (emphasizes importance in a broader context)
• Antonyms: неизвестность ( obscurity or lack of fame), низкое положение (low status)

Related Phrases:

• достичь выдающегощегося положения - To achieve an eminent position; used in motivational or biographical contexts.
• заслужить известность - To earn eminence; common in discussions of accomplishments.
• потерять выдающееся положение - To lose eminence; implies a fall from grace in professional settings.

Usage Notes:

'Eminence' in English often corresponds to 'выдающееся положение' in formal Russian contexts, such as politics or history, but 'известность' is preferred for everyday fame. Be mindful of the formal tone; 'выдающееся положение' is rarely used in casual speech. When choosing between translations, opt for 'известность' if the context is about public recognition, and 'выдающееся положение' for hierarchical status. Grammatically, these nouns require appropriate case agreement with prepositions, e.g., 'в выдающемся положении' for 'in an eminent position'.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'выдающееся положение' in informal contexts, e.g., saying "Я хочу известность" instead of incorrectly forcing 'выдающееся положение' for casual fame. Correct: Stick to 'известность' for non-formal uses. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly stiff or archaic.

• Error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., saying "о выдающееся положение" instead of "о выдающемся положении". Correct: "о выдающемся положении". Explanation: Russian requires precise case endings for grammatical accuracy, which English learners often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'выдающееся положение' often evokes historical figures like leaders or intellectuals from the Soviet era, emphasizing collective achievement over individual fame. This reflects Russia's cultural value on societal contributions rather than personal celebrity, unlike in Western contexts where 'eminence' might lean more toward individual stardom.

Related Concepts:

• превосходство
• значимость
• авторитет