Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intricacy'

English Word: intricacy

Key Russian Translations:

• сложность /slɐʐnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Singular]
• изысканность /ɪzɨskənnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, often in artistic or technical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in discussions of complex systems, art, or problems)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and Russian case systems)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сложность: /slɐʐnəsʲtʲ/

изысканность: /ɪzɨskənnəsʲtʲ/

Note on сложность: The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, which may be challenging for English speakers; it sounds like the 's' in 'measure'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Complexity or detailed intricacy in a system or process

Translation(s) & Context:

• сложность - Used in formal or technical contexts to describe the complexity of mechanisms or ideas.
• изысканность - Applied when referring to refined or subtle details, such as in art or design.

Usage Examples:

• Эта машина имеет высокую сложность в конструкции.

  This machine has a high level of intricacy in its design.

• Из-за своей изысканности, картина привлекла внимание критиков.

  Due to its intricacy, the painting attracted the attention of critics.

• Сложность этого рецепта делает его идеальным для опытных поваров.

  The intricacy of this recipe makes it ideal for experienced cooks.

• В изысканности узоров восточных ковров проявляется культурное наследие.

  The intricacy of patterns in Eastern rugs reflects cultural heritage.

2. Subtlety or nuance in behavior or relationships

Translation(s) & Context:

• сложность - In interpersonal contexts, to denote emotional or psychological intricacy.
• изысканность - For elegant or refined subtleties in social interactions.

Usage Examples:

• Сложность человеческих отношений часто приводит к недоразумениям.

  The intricacy of human relationships often leads to misunderstandings.

• Её изысканность в общении делает её любимой собеседницей.

  Her intricacy in communication makes her a favored conversation partner.

• Сложность сюжета романа раскрывается только при повторном чтении.

  The intricacy of the novel's plot is revealed only upon re-reading.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are feminine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns.

These nouns do not have irregular inflections but require attention to soft endings in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сложность: трудность (difficulty) - Often used interchangeably in technical contexts.
  • сложность: запутанность (entanglement) - Implies more confusion than refinement.
  • изысканность: утончённость (refinement) - Similar but emphasizes cultural elegance.
• Antonyms:
  • простота (simplicity)
  • грубость (crudeness)

Related Phrases:

• Высокая сложность - High intricacy; used in engineering or problem-solving contexts.
• Потеряться в изысканности - To get lost in intricacy; implies being overwhelmed by details.
• Сложность конструкции - Intricacy of design; common in architecture or technology.

Usage Notes:

"Intricacy" often maps to "сложность" when emphasizing complexity in structure, while "изысканность" is better for aesthetic or subtle nuances. In Russian, these words are typically used in formal writing or speech; avoid in casual conversations. Pay attention to gender agreement in sentences, as both are feminine nouns. When choosing between translations, consider the context: technical vs. artistic.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "сложность" to mean only "difficulty" without nuance. Correct: Remember it can imply detailed intricacy, e.g., Incorrect: "Эта задача сложная" (This task is difficult) when you mean intricate; Better: "Эта задача имеет сложность в деталях" (This task has intricacy in details).
• Mistake: Forgetting case endings, e.g., saying "в сложность" instead of "в сложности". Correct: Use genitive for "in the intricacy" as "в сложности".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "изысканность" often evoke appreciation for the depth in art and literature, reflecting Russia's rich tradition of intricate storytelling in works by authors like Tolstoy, where subtle character developments are key.

Related Concepts:

• тонкость (subtlety)
• комплексность (complexity)
• усложнение (complication)