Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fitful'

English Word: fitful

Key Russian Translations:

• Прерывистый /prʲɪˈrɨvʲɪstɨj/ - [Adjective, Formal; used to describe irregular or intermittent actions]
• Неровный /nʲɪˈrovnɨj/ - [Adjective, Informal; used in contexts implying unevenness or instability]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in everyday language, particularly in literature, descriptions of behavior, or weather, but not as common as basic adjectives.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and contextual usage, per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Прерывистый: /prʲɪˈrɨvʲɪstɨj/

Note on Прерывистый: The stress is on the third syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Неровный: /nʲɪˈrovnɨj/

Note on Неровный: The initial 'н' is palatalized; practice the soft 'н' to avoid sounding harsh.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Occurring in irregular spells or bursts, often implying instability or intermittence (e.g., fitful sleep, fitful efforts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Прерывистый - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing sleep patterns or weather changes.
• Неровный - Applied in informal settings, like uneven performance or irregular rhythms.

Usage Examples:

• Его сон был прерывистым из-за шума за окном.

  His sleep was fitful due to the noise outside the window.

• Прерывистый дождь не давал нам насладиться прогулкой.

  The fitful rain prevented us from enjoying our walk.

• Её прерывистые усилия в учёбе не принесли ожидаемых результатов.

  Her fitful efforts in studying did not yield the expected results.

• Неровный пульс указывал на возможные проблемы со здоровьем.

  The fitful pulse indicated possible health issues.

• В неровном свете лампы тени танцевали по комнате.

  In the fitful light of the lamp, shadows danced across the room.

Meaning 2: Characterized by sudden changes or fluctuations (e.g., fitful winds).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Прерывистый - Preferred in literary or scientific contexts for describing variable phenomena.
• Неровный - More common in everyday speech for unpredictable events.

Usage Examples:

• Прерывистый ветер мешал полёту самолёта.

  The fitful wind hindered the plane's flight.

• Неровная работа двигателя вызвала задержку в поездке.

  The fitful operation of the engine caused a delay in the trip.

• Его настроение было прерывистым, как осенний дождь.

  His mood was as fitful as an autumn rain.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Прерывистый" and "Неровный" are Russian adjectives, which typically follow the standard adjectival declension patterns. Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. They have full declensions for masculine, feminine, and neuter genders, as well as singular and plural forms.

For "Прерывистый" (an adjective ending in -ый, which is regular):

"Неровный" follows a similar pattern. Note that these are regular adjectives, so no irregularities apply.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Эпизодический (/ɛpʲɪzɐˈdʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/) - More episodic or occasional; used for events that happen in episodes.
  • Нерегулярный (/nʲɪrʲɪɡʊˈlʲarnɨj/) - Irregular in a patterned sense; subtle difference from прерывистый as it implies a lack of regularity.
• Antonyms:
  • Регулярный (/rʲɪɡʊˈlʲarnɨj/)
  • Постоянный (/pɐsˈtɐjnnɨj/)

Related Phrases:

• Прерывистый сон - A common phrase meaning "fitful sleep," often used in medical or everyday contexts to describe interrupted rest.
• Неровный ритм - Refers to "irregular rhythm," as in music or heartbeat, highlighting unsteady patterns.
• Прерывистые порывы - Means "fitful gusts," typically for wind or emotions that come in bursts.

Usage Notes:

• Choose "Прерывистый" for more formal or descriptive contexts, as it directly mirrors the English "fitful" in implying intermittence without chaos.
• "Неровный" is better for informal situations where unevenness is key, such as in descriptions of physical objects or performances.
• Always ensure the adjective agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case; for example, use "прерывистая" for feminine nouns.
• In sentences, "fitful" often pairs with actions or states, so look for similar structures in Russian, like verb + adjective combinations.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Прерывистый" interchangeably with "Нерегулярный" without considering context. Correct: "Прерывистый" for sudden interruptions; "Нерегулярный" for lack of pattern. Example: Incorrect: "Нерегулярный сон" for fitful sleep; Correct: "Прерывистый сон".
• Error: Failing to decline the adjective properly, e.g., using "Прерывистый" with a feminine noun. Correct: Match cases, as in "Прерывистая погода" for feminine nouns.

Cultural Notes:

Words like "Прерывистый" are often used in Russian literature to evoke the unpredictability of life, as seen in works by authors like Chekhov, where fitful emotions reflect the human condition in a vast, changeable landscape. This mirrors English Romantic traditions but with a distinctly Russian emphasis on endurance amid instability.

Related Concepts:

• Ритмичный (rhythmic)
• Эпизодический (episodic)
• Волнообразный (wave-like)