Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'figuratively'

English Word: figuratively

Key Russian Translations:

• метафорически [mʲɪtəfɐˈrʲit͡ɕɪskʲi] - [Adverbial form, Formal]
• в переносном смысле [v pʲɪrʲɪˈnosnəm ˈsʲimʲɪsʲe] - [Phrase, Informal or Literary]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, academic, or conversational contexts discussing non-literal language, but not everyday usage)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adverbs and abstract concepts, with "метафорически" being slightly more challenging than "в переносном смысле" due to its formal tone)

Pronunciation (Russian):

метафорически: [mʲɪtəfɐˈrʲit͡ɕɪskʲi]

Note on метафорически: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ri"), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. It is pronounced with a soft "r" sound.

в переносном смысле: [v pʲɪrʲɪˈnosnəm ˈsʲimʲɪsʲe]

Note on в переносном смысле: This is a phrase, so pronounce it as separate words; the "o" in "переносном" is reduced in casual speech, making it sound like [pʲɪrʲɪˈnʲosnəm].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

In a non-literal or metaphorical sense (e.g., using figures of speech rather than direct meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• метафорически - Used in formal writing, literature, or discussions to indicate something is meant figuratively, such as in poetry or rhetorical analysis.
• в переносном смысле - Applied in everyday conversations or informal contexts to clarify that a statement is not literal, often in explanations or debates.

Usage Examples:

• Он использовал слово метафорически, чтобы подчеркнуть эмоциональную глубину. (He used the word figuratively to emphasize emotional depth.)

  He used the word figuratively to emphasize emotional depth.

• В этом предложении "крылья" сказано в переносном смысле, обозначая свободу. (In this sentence, "wings" is said figuratively, meaning freedom.)

  In this sentence, "wings" is said figuratively, meaning freedom.

• Её речь была метафорически насыщена образами природы. (Her speech was figuratively rich with images of nature.)

  Her speech was figuratively rich with images of nature.

• Не воспринимайте это буквально; я говорю в переносном смысле. (Don't take it literally; I'm speaking figuratively.)

  Don't take it literally; I'm speaking figuratively.

• В искусстве художник часто рисует метафорически, передавая абстрактные идеи. (In art, the artist often draws figuratively, conveying abstract ideas.)

  In art, the artist often draws figuratively, conveying abstract ideas.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Метафорически" is an adverb and does not inflect for gender, number, or case in Russian; it remains unchanged in all contexts.

"В переносном смысле" is a fixed phrase. "Переносном" is an adjective in the prepositional case (from the noun "переносный"), which inflects based on standard Russian adjective rules. For example:

Note: As a phrase, it is typically used as is without alteration.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • образно (obrazno) - More poetic, emphasizing visual imagery.
  • аллегорически (allegoricheski) - Used for allegorical representations, with a slight nuance towards extended metaphors.
• Antonyms:
  • буквально (bukval'no) - Directly opposite, meaning "literally" or in a strict sense.
  • прямо (pryamo) - Implies straightforwardness, without figurative elements.

Related Phrases:

• в метафорическом смысле - In a figurative sense; used to specify non-literal interpretation in discussions. (Explains abstract concepts in literature.)
• переносить значение - To transfer meaning; a common phrase for figurative language in linguistics. (Often used in educational contexts.)
• метафора в действии - Metaphor in action; refers to applying figurative language practically. (Popular in creative writing.)

Usage Notes:

"Figuratively" corresponds closely to "метафорически" in formal English-Russian translations, especially in literary or academic settings, while "в переносном смысле" is more versatile for everyday use. Be cautious with context: "метафорически" is adverbial and modifies verbs directly, whereas "в переносном смысле" functions as a phrase for clarification. In Russian, these terms often appear in discussions of art or philosophy, and speakers may prefer synonyms like "образно" for a softer tone. When choosing between translations, opt for "метафорически" in written essays and "в переносном смысле" in spoken dialogue to match register.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "метафорически" with "буквально": English learners might misuse it by saying "Он сказал это метафорически" when they mean literally, leading to misunderstandings. Correct usage: Use "метафорически" only for non-literal meanings, e.g., "Он сказал это метафорически" vs. incorrect "буквально" in figurative contexts.

• Overusing the phrase without context: Beginners often forget to provide examples, saying just "в переносном смысле" without explaining, which can make statements vague. Correct approach: Always pair it with clarification, e.g., "в переносном смысле, как в поэзии" (in a figurative sense, as in poetry).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, figurative language like that expressed by "метафорически" holds significant importance in literature and folklore, influenced by writers like Pushkin and Tolstoy. It often conveys deeper emotional or philosophical layers, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of symbolism in poetry and proverbs, where indirect meanings are valued for their artistry.

Related Concepts:

• метафора (metaphor)
• аллегория (allegory)
• символизм (symbolism)