Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'incommensurate'

English Word: incommensurate

Key Russian Translations:

• несоизмеримый [nʲɪsəjzmʲɪˈrʲimɨj] - [Formal]
• непропорциональный [nʲɪprəprətsɪjəˈnalʲnɨj] - [Formal, often used in mathematical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in academic, philosophical, or technical discussions but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective declensions and nuanced vocabulary, which can vary slightly between translations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

несоизмеримый: [nʲɪsəjzmʲɪˈrʲimɨj]

непропорциональный: [nʲɪprəprətsɪjəˈnalʲnɨj]

Note on несоизмеримый: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("rʲimɨj"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants (e.g., 'нʲ' sounds like a soft 'n'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Not able to be measured or judged by the same standards; not commensurate in extent or proportion (e.g., in mathematics or abstract comparisons).

Translation(s) & Context:

• несоизмеримый - Used in formal or academic contexts to describe quantities or ideas that cannot be directly compared, such as in philosophy or science.
• непропорциональный - Applied in technical contexts, like mathematics, to indicate a lack of proportionality.

Usage Examples:

• Несоизмеримые усилия были потрачены на этот проект, но результаты оказались разочаровывающими.

  Incommensurate efforts were spent on this project, but the results turned out to be disappointing.

• В математике несоизмеримые величины, такие как π и квадратный корень из 2, не имеют общего знаменателя.

  In mathematics, incommensurate quantities like π and the square root of 2 do not have a common measure.

• Его ожидания были непропорциональны реальным возможностям, что привело к неудаче.

  His expectations were incommensurate with the real possibilities, leading to failure.

• Несоизмеримый разрыв между богатством и бедностью в обществе вызывает социальные проблемы.

  The incommensurate gap between wealth and poverty in society causes social issues.

• Не пропорциональные инвестиции в образование и здравоохранение тормозят развитие страны.

  Incommensurate investments in education and healthcare are hindering the country's development.

Meaning 2: Not corresponding in size, degree, or extent; disproportionate in a general sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• несоизмеримый - Common in everyday discussions of imbalance, such as in social or ethical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его наказание было несоизмеримым с преступлением, что вызвало общественный резонанс.

  His punishment was incommensurate with the crime, sparking public outrage.

• Несоизмеримые затраты на развлечения привели к финансовым трудностям.

  Incommensurate spending on entertainment led to financial difficulties.

• В этом контракте несоизмеримые обязательства одной стороны не соответствуют выгодам другой.

  In this contract, the incommensurate obligations of one party do not match the benefits of the other.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which in Russian undergo declension based on gender, number, and case. They follow standard first-declension patterns for adjectives, with some irregularities in spelling due to consonants.

Note: These adjectives do not change in predicative positions (e.g., after "быть" - to be) but must agree with the noun in all other cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • несоответствующий (similar but emphasizes mismatch rather than proportion)
  • неадекватный (used when implying inadequacy)
• Antonyms:
  • соизмеримый (commensurate)
  • пропорциональный (proportional)

Related Phrases:

• Несоизмеримые усилия - Incommensurate efforts (refers to disproportionate amounts of work or energy invested).
• Не пропорциональные затраты - Incommensurate expenditures (used in financial contexts to describe unbalanced spending).
• Несоответствующие ожидания - Incommensurate expectations (a phrase highlighting mismatched hopes and realities).

Usage Notes:

"Incommensurate" typically translates to "несоизмеримый" in formal contexts, but choose "непропорциональный" for mathematical or scientific discussions where proportion is key. Be mindful of Russian adjective agreement with nouns; for example, use the genitive case in phrases like "несоизмеримого риска" (incommensurate risk). This word is more common in written Russian than spoken, so it's ideal for essays or professional texts. When multiple translations exist, select based on context: "несоизмеримый" for abstract comparisons and "непропорциональный" for tangible imbalances.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the adjective in the wrong case, e.g., saying "несоизмеримый дом" instead of "несоизмеримого дома" in genitive contexts. Correct: Always ensure agreement with the noun's case, as in "в несоизмеримом доме" (in an incommensurate house). Explanation: Russian adjectives must decline, unlike English adjectives, which can lead to confusion for learners.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "неадекватный" (inadequate) when "несоизмеримый" is needed. Correct: "Несоизмеримый" focuses on lack of proportion, not quality. Explanation: This can alter the meaning; check context to avoid understatement or exaggeration.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, words like "несоизмеримый" often appear in philosophical or historical contexts, such as in discussions of social inequality in works by authors like Tolstoy. It reflects a cultural emphasis on balance and harmony, where imbalances (e.g., in society) are critiqued as unnatural or unjust.

Related Concepts:

• соответствующий
• пропорциональность
• несоответствие