Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'extinction'

English Word: extinction

Key Russian Translations:

• вымирание [vɨmʲɪˈranʲɪje] - [Formal, Scientific context]
• исчезновение [ɪsʲt͡ɕɪzˈnovʲɪnʲɪje] - [General use, Informal or everyday language]
• прекращение [prʲɪˈkraɕːənʲɪje] - [Formal, When referring to the end of a process or phenomenon]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in scientific, environmental, and academic discussions, but less frequent in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and contextual nuances; for 'вымирание', it's B2 due to its specific scientific usage, while 'исчезновение' might be A2 for basic forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вымирание: [vɨmʲɪˈranʲɪje]

Note on вымирание: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ra'), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's mobile stress patterns. Pronounce the 'ы' as a high back vowel, similar to the 'i' in "bit" but more centralized.

исчезновение: [ɪsʲt͡ɕɪzˈnovʲɪnʲɪje]

Note on исчезновение: The initial 'и' is palatalized, and the 'щ' is a voiceless palatal fricative (like 'sh' in "she" but softer). Be mindful of the word's length for fluid pronunciation.

прекращение: [prʲɪˈkraɕːənʲɪje]

Note on прекращение: The 'щ' sound is prolonged, and the word ends with a soft 'e' sound, which can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The state or process of a species or group dying out permanently (e.g., biological extinction).

Translation(s) & Context:

• вымирание - Used in formal, scientific, or environmental contexts to describe the permanent loss of species.
• исчезновение - Applied more broadly, including temporary or non-biological disappearances, but can overlap in extinction discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Вымирание многих видов животных угрожает экосистеме Земли.

  The extinction of many animal species threatens Earth's ecosystem.

• Ученые изучают причины массового исчезновения динозавров.

  Scientists are studying the causes of the mass extinction of dinosaurs.

• Прекращение популяции редких птиц может быть вызвано изменением климата.

  The extinction of rare bird populations may be caused by climate change.

• Вымирание языков — это глобальная проблема, требующая немедленных мер.

  The extinction of languages is a global issue that requires immediate action.

• Из-за загрязнения исчезновение коралловых рифов происходит быстрее, чем ожидалось.

  Due to pollution, the extinction of coral reefs is happening faster than expected.

2. The end or cessation of something, such as a custom or practice (metaphorical usage).

Translation(s) & Context:

• прекращение - Preferred in formal or legal contexts for abrupt endings.
• исчезновение - Used for gradual fading away in everyday language.

Usage Examples:

• Прекращение старых традиций часто приводит к культурным изменениям.

  The extinction of old traditions often leads to cultural changes.

• Из-за urbanization исчезновение сельских обычаев становится неизбежным.

  Due to urbanization, the extinction of rural customs is becoming inevitable.

• Вымирание определенных профессий из-за автоматизации — это современная реальность.

  The extinction of certain professions due to automation is a modern reality.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The primary translations are nouns, which follow standard Russian declension patterns. 'Вымирание' and 'исчезновение' are neuter nouns (e.g., second declension), while 'прекращение' is also neuter. They exhibit regular inflection for cases, numbers, and genders where applicable. Below is a table for 'вымирание' as an example; similar patterns apply to the others with minor variations.

For 'исчезновение', the inflections are similar but may vary slightly in plural forms due to its root. 'Прекращение' is invariant in some contexts but follows the same neuter pattern. These nouns do not change for gender.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • исчезновение (similar to 'extinction' but broader)
  • гибель (implies destruction, often used for tragic endings)
  • уничтожение (destruction, with a more violent connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • выживание (survival, directly opposite in biological contexts)
  • сохранение (preservation, used for conservation efforts)
  • продолжение (continuation, for ongoing processes)

Related Phrases:

• Массовое вымирание - Refers to mass extinction events, often in geological history.
• Глобальное исчезновение видов - Means global species extinction, highlighting environmental crises.
• Прекращение существования - A formal phrase for the end of existence, used in philosophical discussions.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'вымирание' is the most precise equivalent for 'extinction' in biological contexts, emphasizing permanent loss, whereas 'исчезновение' is more versatile and can imply temporary absence. Use 'прекращение' for abstract or process-oriented meanings, such as the end of a tradition. Be mindful of context: in formal writing or scientific reports, opt for 'вымирание', but in casual speech, 'исчезновение' might suffice. Grammatically, these nouns require appropriate case agreement with prepositions (e.g., 'из-за вымирания' for 'due to extinction'). English learners should note that Russian often pairs these words with adjectives for specificity, like 'массовое вымирание'.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'вымирание' with 'гибель': Learners might use 'гибель' (death) interchangeably, but it doesn't convey the long-term, species-level implication. Error: "Гибель динозавров" (incorrect for extinction context). Correct: "Вымирание динозавров". Explanation: 'Гибель' focuses on immediate demise, while 'вымирание' implies a process over time.

• Overusing 'исчезновение' in scientific contexts: This word is too general for precise discussions. Error: "Исчезновение видов в Африке" (could imply temporary loss). Correct: "Вымирание видов в Африке". Explanation: Specify 'вымирание' for permanent extinction to avoid ambiguity.

• Ignoring case inflections: Forgetting to decline the noun, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Error: "О вымирание" (incorrect). Correct: "О вымирании". Explanation: Russian requires proper declension for grammatical agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, discussions of 'вымирание' often tie into environmental activism, such as the preservation of Siberia's biodiversity. Historically, events like the mass extinctions during the Soviet era's industrial expansion have shaped environmental policies, making these terms emotionally charged in conversations about sustainability and loss.

Related Concepts:

• экология
• биоразнообразие
• климатические изменения