Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'juxtaposition'

English Word: juxtaposition

Key Russian Translations:

• сопоставление [sə.pə.stɐv.lʲe.nʲɪ.je] - [Formal, used in analytical or literary contexts]
• соседство [sə.sʲed.st.və] - [Informal, primarily for physical placement]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic and literary discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal vocabulary; for 'соседство', it may be A2 as it's more straightforward)

Pronunciation (Russian):

сопоставление: [sə.pə.stɐv.lʲe.nʲɪ.je]

Note on сопоставление: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("stav"), and the soft sign (лʲ) indicates a palatalized 'l', which can be tricky for English speakers. Pronounce it slowly to master the flow.

соседство: [sə.sʲed.st.və]

Note on соседство: The initial 'sʲ' is a soft 's' sound, similar to 's' in "measure"; it's less complex than 'сопоставление' but still requires attention to vowel reduction in unstressed syllables.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. The act of placing two or more things side by side, often for comparison (e.g., in literature or art)

Translation(s) & Context:

• сопоставление - Used in formal, analytical contexts, such as discussing contrasts in literature or philosophy.
• соседство - Applied in more literal, everyday scenarios, like spatial arrangements, but can extend to metaphorical use.

Usage Examples:

• В романе Толстого часто используется сопоставление персонажей для подчеркивания их различий.

  In Tolstoy's novel, juxtaposition of characters is often used to highlight their differences.

• Художник добился эффекта сопоставлением ярких и темных цветов на холсте.

  The artist achieved the effect by juxtaposing bright and dark colors on the canvas.

• В повседневной жизни соседство домов разных стилей создает интересный городской пейзаж.

  In everyday life, the juxtaposition of houses in different styles creates an interesting urban landscape.

• Для анализа текста важно сопоставление исторических событий с современными реалиями.

  For text analysis, juxtaposing historical events with modern realities is important.

• Соседство парка и промышленной зоны подчеркивает контрасты в развитии города.

  The juxtaposition of the park and the industrial zone highlights contrasts in city development.

2. The state of being placed close together or side by side (more literal meaning)

Translation(s) & Context:

• соседство - Best for physical or spatial contexts, such as geography or architecture.
• сопоставление - Less common here, but can be used in metaphorical extensions.

Usage Examples:

• Соседство рек и гор определяет климат региона.

  The juxtaposition of rivers and mountains determines the region's climate.

• В дизайне интерьера важно соседство текстур для создания гармонии.

  In interior design, the juxtaposition of textures is important for creating harmony.

• Сопоставление старых и новых зданий в центре города стало туристической достопримечательностью.

  The juxtaposition of old and new buildings in the city center has become a tourist attraction.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'сопоставление' and 'соседство' are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard neuter declension patterns. 'Сопоставление' is a more complex word and can vary irregularly in some contexts, while 'соседство' is relatively regular.

Note: 'Соседство' is invariant in some informal uses and doesn't always require plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сравнение (comparison; more general and often interchangeable in analytical contexts)
  • параллелизм (parallelism; used specifically in literary or structural analysis, implying similarity rather than contrast)
• Antonyms:
  • разделение (separation; implies dividing rather than placing together)
  • изолирование (isolation; emphasizes distance or disconnection)

Related Phrases:

• сопоставление идей - Juxtaposition of ideas (used in philosophical or creative discussions to highlight contrasts).
• визуальное соседство - Visual juxtaposition (common in art and design for describing spatial arrangements).
• сопоставление культур - Cultural juxtaposition (refers to comparing different cultural elements, often in global studies).

Usage Notes:

'Сопоставление' is the most precise translation for the analytical sense of 'juxtaposition' in English, especially in formal writing, and aligns closely with concepts in Russian literature. Use it in academic contexts to avoid ambiguity. 'Соседство' is better for literal, spatial meanings and is more common in everyday Russian. Be mindful of declensions based on sentence structure; for example, in genitive constructions, it becomes 'сопоставления'. When choosing between translations, opt for 'сопоставление' if the focus is on contrast, and 'соседство' for proximity without implied comparison.

Common Errors:

• Mistaking 'сопоставление' for a verb: English learners often confuse it with 'сопоставлять' (to juxtapose). Error: "Я сопоставление идеи" (incorrect). Correct: "Я произвожу сопоставление идей" or use the verb form "Я сопоставляю идеи". Explanation: 'Сопоставление' is a noun, so it needs proper syntactic integration.
• Overusing in informal speech: Learners might use 'сопоставление' in casual conversations where 'соседство' fits better. Error: Saying 'сопоставление домов' for simple house placement. Correct: 'соседство домов'. Explanation: This can sound overly formal and unnatural; context matters for word choice.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'сопоставление' often appears in literary criticism, influenced by traditions like those of Tolstoy or Dostoevsky, where contrasting elements drive narrative depth. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on introspection and social commentary, helping English users appreciate how juxtaposition serves as a tool for exploring human complexities in Russian arts.

Related Concepts:

• сравнение
• контраст
• параллелизм