Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'estimable'

English Word: estimable

Key Russian Translations:

• достойный [ˈdostəjnɨj] - [Formal]
• ценный [ˈt͡sɛnːɨj] - [Informal, when emphasizing value]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal writing, literature, and everyday conversations about character or worth, but not as frequent as basic adjectives).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and nuanced vocabulary, with "достойный" being slightly more challenging due to its formal connotations, while "ценный" is easier for beginners).

Pronunciation (Russian):

достойный: [ˈdostəjnɨj]

ценный: [ˈt͡sɛnːɨj]

Note on достойный: The stress falls on the first syllable; be careful with the soft 'й' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers as it resembles a 'y' but is more palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Worthy of respect, admiration, or high regard.

Translation(s) & Context:

• достойный - Used in formal contexts, such as describing a person's character or achievements.
• ценный - Applied in informal settings when highlighting something's intrinsic value or worthiness.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда был достойным гражданином, помогая другим в трудные времена.

  He was always an estimable citizen, helping others in difficult times.

• Её достойные усилия в работе принесли ей уважение коллег.

  Her estimable efforts at work earned her the respect of her colleagues.

• Этот ценный совет от друга помог мне избежать ошибки.

  This estimable advice from a friend helped me avoid a mistake.

• В истории России многие достойные лидеры вдохновляли народ на изменения.

  In Russian history, many estimable leaders inspired the people to make changes.

Meaning 2: Capable of being estimated or calculated (less common usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• достойный - Rarely used in this sense; more common in abstract or philosophical discussions.
• ценный - Not typically used; instead, opt for other words like "оцениваемый" in specific contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Достойный анализ ситуации позволяет оценить риски заранее.

  An estimable analysis of the situation allows for risks to be estimated in advance.

• В науке даже достойные гипотезы нуждаются в точных измерениях.

  In science, even estimable hypotheses require precise measurements.

• Его достойные способности в математике делают его идеальным для расчётов.

  His estimable abilities in mathematics make him ideal for estimations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "достойный" and "ценный" are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a standard pattern of agreement with the nouns they modify. "Достойный" is a regular adjective, while "ценный" is also regular but can vary slightly in formal contexts.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • уважаемый (uvazhaemyy) - More neutral, used for respected individuals.
  • замечательный (zamechatel'nyy) - Implies something noteworthy or excellent.
• Antonyms:
  • незаслуживающий (nezasluzhivayushchiy) - Lacks worth or respect.
  • бесполезный (bespoleznyy) - Useless or without value.

Related Phrases:

• Достойный человек (Dostoynyy chelovek) - A phrase meaning "an estimable person," often used in moral or ethical discussions.
• Ценный опыт (Tsennyy opyt) - Refers to "valuable experience," highlighting practical worth in professional contexts.
• Достойно себя вести (Dostoyno sebya vesti) - Means "to conduct oneself estimably," emphasizing proper behavior.

Usage Notes:

"Estimable" translates most accurately to "достойный" in formal Russian contexts, where it conveys moral or intellectual worth, similar to English. Use "ценный" for more tangible value, like in business or appraisals. Be mindful of gender and case agreement, as Russian adjectives must match the noun they describe. In everyday speech, "достойный" is preferred in written or official language, while "ценный" suits informal conversations. When choosing between translations, opt for "достойный" if the focus is on character, and "ценный" for material aspects.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "достойный" without proper declension, e.g., saying "достойный книга" instead of "достойная книга" for a feminine noun.

  Correct: Достойная книга (Dostoynaya kniga) - The adjective must agree in gender, number, and case. Explanation: English speakers often forget Russian's inflection system, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing "достойный" with "достойный" in the wrong context, such as using it for physical objects when "ценный" is more appropriate.

  Correct: Instead of "достойный подарок," say "ценный подарок" for "an estimable gift." Explanation: "Достойный" implies moral worth, not just value, so misuse can alter the intended meaning.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "достойный" often carry a deeper connotation of moral integrity, influenced by historical literature (e.g., works by Tolstoy or Dostoevsky). It reflects values of honor and resilience, which are central to Russian identity, especially in contexts of personal or national pride.

Related Concepts:

• уважение (uvazhenie)
• честь (chest')
• оценка (otsenka)