Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gradual'

English Word: gradual

Key Russian Translations:

• постепенный (/pɐsˈtʲepʲɪnʲɪj/) - [Adjective, Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday and academic contexts, such as discussions on change or development)

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

Pronunciation (Russian):

постепенный: /pɐsˈtʲepʲɪnʲɪj/

Note on постепенный: The stress falls on the third syllable ('pe'), and the 'тʲ' sound is palatalized, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 't' as in 'tube'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Occurring or developing slowly over time, by degrees or stages.

Translation(s) & Context:

• постепенный - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing processes in science, education, or personal growth (e.g., in written reports or lectures).

Usage Examples:

• Прогресс был постепенным, но устойчивым.

  The progress was gradual but steady.

• В её обучении наблюдался постепенный рост навыков.

  In her learning, there was a gradual growth of skills.

• Изменения климата происходят постепенным образом.

  Climate changes occur in a gradual manner.

• Постепенный переход к новой системе помог избежать хаоса.

  The gradual transition to the new system helped avoid chaos.

• Его выздоровление было постепенным, с ежедневными улучшениями.

  His recovery was gradual, with daily improvements.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

постепенный is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects based on gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. Below is a table of its basic forms:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward once basic declension rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • медленный (slower-paced, often implying a natural process)
  • плавный (smooth and flowing, used for transitions)
• Antonyms:
  • внезапный (sudden, abrupt change)
  • немедленный (immediate, without delay)

Related Phrases:

• постепенное развитие - Gradual development (refers to evolutionary or progressive growth in contexts like economics or biology).
• постепенный переход - Gradual transition (commonly used in discussions of policy changes or technological shifts).
• постепенное улучшение - Gradual improvement (applies to personal skills, health, or product enhancements).

Usage Notes:

постепенный directly corresponds to the English 'gradual' as an adjective, emphasizing a step-by-step process rather than abrupt changes. It is versatile and can be used in formal writing, academic papers, or everyday conversation, but avoid it in highly informal settings where simpler words like медленный might suffice. When choosing between translations, use постепенный for contexts involving planned or measured progression, such as in education or reform. Grammatically, always ensure it agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, which is a key feature of Russian adjectives.

• In sentences, it often pairs with verbs like 'происходить' (to occur) or 'вести' (to lead) to describe ongoing processes.
• Be mindful of context: In Russian, this word can carry a positive connotation of stability, unlike some English uses that might imply slowness as a drawback.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse the case endings, for example, using the nominative form 'постепенный' in all contexts instead of declining it properly. Incorrect: "Я видел постепенный рост" (should be 'постепенный рост' in accusative if needed, but here it's correct; error example: using genitive wrongly). Correct: "Я видел постепенный рост" vs. Error: "Я видел постепенного роста" (wrong case). Another common mistake is confusing it with 'медленный', leading to imprecise meanings—use 'постепенный' for sequential steps, not just speed.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, words like 'постепенный' often reflect a historical emphasis on endurance and gradual reform, as seen in 19th-century novels by authors like Tolstoy, where societal changes are depicted as slow evolutions rather than revolutions. This aligns with Russia's vast geography and history, where rapid changes can be viewed with skepticism.

Related Concepts:

• развитие (development)
• переход (transition)
• улучшение (improvement)