Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'gravity'

English Word: gravity

Key Russian Translations:

• гравитация [ɡrəvɪˈtatsɨə] - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific and educational contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of scientific terminology and basic physics concepts in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

гравитация: [ɡrəvɪˈtatsɨə]

Note on гравитация: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ta"), which is a common challenge for English speakers. Pronounce the "г" as a voiced velar fricative, similar to the "g" in "go".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Physical force attracting objects (e.g., the force that pulls objects toward the Earth's center)

Translation(s) & Context:

• гравитация - Used primarily in scientific, educational, or technical contexts, such as physics discussions or astronomy.

Usage Examples:

• Земля удерживает нас благодаря гравитации.

  The Earth holds us due to gravity. (This example shows basic usage in a scientific explanation.)

• Гравитация играет ключевую роль в движении планет.

  Gravity plays a key role in the motion of planets. (Illustrates usage in an astronomical context.)

• Без гравитации космонавты не могли бы вернуться на Землю.

  Without gravity, astronauts couldn't return to Earth. (Demonstrates application in space-related discussions.)

• Учёные изучают гравитацию для понимания чёрных дыр.

  Scientists study gravity to understand black holes. (Shows usage in advanced scientific contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"гравитация" is a feminine noun in the first declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • притяжение [prɪˈtʲaʐənʲe] - Often used interchangeably in general contexts, but "притяжение" can imply a broader force of attraction.
  • тяжесть [ˈtʲaʐəstʲ] - Used in everyday language for gravitational pull, with a nuance toward weight or heaviness.
• Antonyms:
  • отталкивание [ɒtˈtɑlkʲɪvənʲe] - Refers to repulsion, as in forces that push objects away.

Related Phrases:

• сила гравитации - The force of gravity; used in physics to describe the strength of gravitational pull.
• гравитационное поле - Gravitational field; common in scientific discussions about space and motion.
• закон гравитации - Law of gravity; refers to Newton's or Einstein's principles in educational contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Гравитация" directly corresponds to the scientific meaning of "gravity" in English and is the most precise translation in formal contexts. It is typically used in written or spoken Russian involving physics, astronomy, or engineering. Be mindful of its feminine gender, which affects adjective agreements (e.g., "сильная гравитация" for "strong gravity"). In informal settings, speakers might opt for simpler synonyms like "тяжесть" to avoid technicality. When choosing among translations, use "гравитация" for precision in academic or professional scenarios.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "гравитация" with "вес" (weight): English learners often misuse "гравитация" to mean simple weight, but "вес" is the correct term for an object's mass under gravity. Incorrect: "Мой вес - это гравитация." Correct: "Мой вес зависит от гравитации." Explanation: "Гравитация" is the force, not the measurable weight.

• Overgeneralizing to non-scientific contexts: Beginners might use "гравитация" in everyday situations where "притяжение" or "тяжесть" fits better, e.g., saying "Эмоциональная гравитация" for emotional pull. Correct alternative: Use "притяжение" for metaphorical senses.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and education, "гравитация" is often linked to the legacy of Soviet space exploration, such as the achievements of Yuri Gagarin. It symbolizes Russia's contributions to physics and cosmology, appearing frequently in popular science media and educational programs, which can evoke national pride in scientific advancements.

Related Concepts:

• масса (mass)
• ускорение (acceleration)
• космос (space or cosmos)