Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intensify'

English Word: intensify

Key Russian Translations:

• усилить [u.sʲɪˈlʲitʲ] - [Formal, commonly used in scientific, technical, or everyday contexts to indicate strengthening or increasing intensity]
• интенсифицировать [in.ten.sʲi.fʲi.tsɨ.rə.vatʲ] - [Formal, technical; used in specialized fields like business or psychology, but less common in casual speech]

Frequency: Medium (This verb is frequently encountered in written Russian, such as in news, literature, and professional discussions, but less so in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate for 'усилить' as it involves basic verb conjugation; C1 (Advanced) for 'интенсифицировать' due to its borrowed structure and less intuitive usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

усилить: [u.sʲɪˈlʲitʲ] (The stress is on the second syllable; note the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.)

интенсифицировать: [in.ten.sʲi.fʲi.tsɨ.rə.vatʲ] (Multiple syllables with varying stress; pay attention to the soft 'с' and 'ф' sounds.)

Note on усилить: This word has a clear, emphatic pronunciation; the 'й' at the end indicates the infinitive form, and it's often softened in rapid speech.

Note on интенсифицировать: Derived from English "intensify," it retains a foreign feel; focus on the rolling 'р' and precise vowel sounds for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To make something stronger, more intense, or more severe

Translation(s) & Context:

• усилить - Typically used in contexts involving physical, emotional, or abstract intensification, such as in descriptions of efforts, emotions, or processes (e.g., in formal writing or speeches).
• интенсифицировать - Applied in more technical or professional settings, like economic reports or psychological analyses, where a precise, modern connotation is needed.

Usage Examples:

• Мы должны усилить меры безопасности в городе.

  We must intensify security measures in the city. (This example shows the verb in a governmental or urban planning context.)

• Эмоции могут усилить конфликт в отношениях.

  Emotions can intensify conflict in relationships. (Illustrates use in psychological or interpersonal scenarios.)

• Ученые решили усилить эксперимент, чтобы получить более точные результаты.

  Scientists decided to intensify the experiment to get more accurate results. (Demonstrates application in scientific research.)

• Ветер начал усилить шторм, делая его опасным.

  The wind began to intensify the storm, making it dangerous. (Shows the verb in a natural or environmental context.)

• Компания планирует усилить маркетинговые усилия в новом году.

  The company plans to intensify marketing efforts in the new year. (Highlights business or strategic usage.)

To increase the strength or degree of something abstract, like feelings or actions

Translation(s) & Context:

• усилить - Common in literary or emotional contexts, emphasizing escalation.
• интенсифицировать - Used in formal reports or analyses for a more sophisticated tone.

Usage Examples:

• Ее речь усилила поддержку среди аудитории.

  Her speech intensified support among the audience. (Context: Public speaking or persuasion.)

• Интенсифицировать обучение помогает студентам лучше усваивать материал.

  Intensifying training helps students absorb material better. (Context: Educational or professional development.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs, so they follow Russian verb conjugation patterns. 'Усилить' is a first-conjugation verb with regular patterns, while 'интенсифицировать' is less common and follows patterns for borrowed verbs.

For 'усилить' (infinitive):

'Интенсифицировать' follows similar patterns but is irregular due to its length; e.g., present: интенсифицирую, интенсифицируешь, etc. It is invariant in some forms and less commonly inflected in casual use.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: укрепить (ukrepit' - to strengthen), повысить (povysit' - to increase), усилить (as above, but with nuances for emphasis)
• Antonyms: ослабить (oslabit' - to weaken), снизить (snizit' - to reduce)

Note: 'Укрепить' often implies physical strengthening, while 'повысить' is more about elevation or improvement.

Related Phrases:

• усилить контроль - To intensify control (Common in security or management contexts, implying stricter oversight.)
• усилить давление - To intensify pressure (Used in negotiations or conflicts, suggesting increased force or influence.)
• интенсифицировать усилия - To intensify efforts (A phrase in professional settings, emphasizing enhanced dedication.)

Usage Notes:

'Усилить' directly corresponds to 'intensify' in most contexts but is more versatile in Russian, often used for both literal and metaphorical strengthening. Choose it for everyday or formal situations. 'Интенсифицировать' is a direct borrowing and should be reserved for technical English-influenced contexts to maintain precision. Be mindful of verb aspect in Russian: 'усилить' is perfective, so it implies completion, whereas an imperfective form like 'усиллять' might be needed for ongoing actions. In spoken Russian, pair it with nouns like 'меры' (measures) for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'усилить' in the wrong aspect, e.g., saying "Я усиливаю" when meaning ongoing intensification (correct: "Я усиливаю" is imperfective, but for completed action, use "Я усилю").

  Wrong: "Я усиливаю сейчас" (implies continuous, but may not fit if action is finished). Correct: "Я усилю это немедленно" (for future completion). Explanation: Russian verbs have aspects; mix-ups can alter meaning.

• Error: Confusing 'интенсифицировать' with 'усилить', leading to overly formal language in casual speech.

  Wrong: "Давай интенсифицируем ужин" (unnatural). Correct: "Давай усилим ужин" (more idiomatic). Explanation: Stick to native words for everyday use to avoid sounding stilted.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'усилить' often appear in contexts of resilience and endurance, reflecting historical emphasis on overcoming challenges, such as in literature by authors like Tolstoy, where emotional or societal intensification drives narratives. However, it lacks strong specific cultural connotations compared to words tied to folklore.

Related Concepts:

• ослабить (to weaken)
• повысить (to increase)
• уменьшить (to diminish)