Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'heredity'

English Word: heredity

Key Russian Translations:

• наследственность /nəslʲedstvʲennəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Scientific context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, biological, and scientific discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts in biology and genetics, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

наследственность: /nəslʲedstvʲennəsʲtʲ/

Note on наследственность: The pronunciation involves palatalized consonants (e.g., 'лʲ' and 'сʲтʲ'), which can be challenging for English speakers; stress falls on the third syllable. Practice with native speakers for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The biological process by which traits, characteristics, or genetic information are passed from parents to offspring.

Translation(s) & Context:

• наследственность - Used in formal scientific, educational, or medical contexts to discuss genetics and inheritance; often appears in biology textbooks or research.

Usage Examples:

• Наследственность играет ключевую роль в формировании физических черт человека.

  Heredity plays a key role in shaping a person's physical traits.

• Изучение наследственности помогло ученым понять эволюцию видов.

  The study of heredity has helped scientists understand the evolution of species.

• В генетике наследственность объясняется через ДНК и гены.

  In genetics, heredity is explained through DNA and genes.

• Наследственность может передавать как преимущества, так и предрасположенности к заболеваниям.

  Heredity can pass on both advantages and predispositions to diseases.

• Современная наука расширяет наше понимание наследственности за счет новых технологий.

  Modern science is expanding our understanding of heredity through new technologies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Наследственность" is a feminine noun in the third declension. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case, number, and gender. As a singular abstract noun, it does not have a plural form in most contexts, but it can inflect for cases to indicate grammatical relationships.

Note: This word is invariant in number (typically singular) and does not undergo irregular changes, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • генетика (genetics; broader term, often used interchangeably in scientific contexts, but focuses more on the study aspect)
  • наследование (inheritance; emphasizes the act of passing down, with subtle differences in legal or property contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • окружающая среда (environment; contrasts with heredity in nature vs. nurture debates, highlighting external influences)

Related Phrases:

• законы наследственности - Laws of heredity; refers to principles like Mendel's laws in genetics.
• генетическая наследственность - Genetic heredity; used to specify inheritance at the DNA level.
• наследственность признаков - Inheritance of traits; common in discussions about physical or behavioral characteristics.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "наследственность" directly corresponds to the English "heredity" in biological and scientific contexts, but it is more formal and less commonly used in casual conversation. Always pair it with appropriate prepositions based on case (e.g., "о наследственности" for "about heredity"). When choosing between synonyms like "генетика," opt for "наследственность" if the focus is on the process of trait transmission rather than the field of study. Be mindful of its abstract nature, which makes it suitable for academic writing but potentially awkward in everyday dialogue.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "наследственность" with "приобретенные черты" (acquired traits) by using it to describe environmentally influenced characteristics. Incorrect: "Наследственность определяет навыки, полученные от обучения." Correct: "Окружающая среда определяет навыки, полученные от обучения, а не наследственность." Explanation: "Наследственность" specifically refers to innate, genetic traits, not learned ones, so learners should distinguish it from nurture-based concepts.

• Error: Incorrect declension, such as using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "Я думаю о наследственность." Correct: "Я думаю о наследственности." Explanation: Proper case agreement is essential in Russian; here, the prepositional case is required after "о."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and science, "наследственность" is deeply tied to the history of genetics, influenced by figures like Gregor Mendel and Soviet biologists. It often appears in discussions of eugenics history or modern bioethics, reflecting Russia's emphasis on scientific heritage. Understanding this term can provide insight into how Russians view inheritance not just biologically, but also in familial and societal contexts, such as lineage in literature or folklore.

Related Concepts:

• ген (gene)
• ДНК (DNA)
• эволюция (evolution)
• мутация (mutation)