Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'largely'

English Word: largely

Key Russian Translations:

• в основном [v ɐsnɐ́vnʲi] - [Formal, used in general contexts to indicate the primary or main aspect]
• преимущественно [prʲimʊʂʲéstvʲinʲə] - [Formal, often in academic or precise descriptions]
• в значительной степени [v znɐ́čnʲij tʂɛnʲi] - [Formal, emphasizing a substantial degree]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in written and spoken Russian, especially in news, essays, and everyday discussions, but not as ubiquitous as basic adverbs like "очень").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of adverbial phrases and degrees of intensity. For 'в основном', it's straightforward; for 'преимущественно', it may edge toward B2 due to its more formal nuance.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

в основном: [v ɐsnɐ́vnʲi]

Note on в основном: Stress falls on the second syllable ("ɐsnɐ́vnʲi"), which is common in Russian adverbial phrases. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting pronunciation.

преимущественно: [prʲimʊʂʲéstvʲinʲə]

Note on преимущественно: The initial "prʲ" has a palatalized 'r' sound, which can be tricky for beginners; it's pronounced with the tongue slightly curled.

в значительной степени: [v znɐ́čnʲij tʂɛnʲi]

Note on в значительной степени: The word "значительной" has stress on the first syllable, and the 'č' sound is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to English 'ch' in "church".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To a great extent (indicating something is mainly or primarily true)

Translation(s) & Context:

• в основном - Used in formal and informal contexts to express that something happens or is true for the most part, e.g., in explanations or summaries.
• преимущественно - Applied in more precise or academic settings, emphasizing predominance without full exclusivity.
• в значительной степени - Employed when highlighting a substantial but not absolute influence, often in analytical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В основном, успех проекта зависит от команды.

  English: Largely, the project's success depends on the team. (Shows basic usage in a professional context.)

• Русский: Преимущественно, жители города предпочитают общественный транспорт.

  English: Largely, city residents prefer public transportation. (Illustrates formal emphasis on majority preference.)

• Русский: В значительной степени, изменения климата влияют на сельское хозяйство.

  English: Largely, climate changes affect agriculture. (Demonstrates use in scientific or environmental discussions.)

• Русский: В основном, это решение было принято из экономических соображений.

  English: Largely, this decision was made for economic reasons. (Highlights causal relationships in everyday scenarios.)

• Русский: Преимущественно, фестиваль посещают молодые люди, но в значительной степени и семьи.

  English: Largely, the festival is attended by young people, but to a great extent by families as well. (Shows combination of translations in a single sentence for nuanced expression.)

In a broad or general sense (implying not entirely, but mostly)

Translation(s) & Context:

• в основном - Suitable for general statements where exceptions might exist.
• в значительной степени - Used when quantifying the extent in broader contexts, like policy or analysis.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: В основном, русская кухня включает супы и пирожки.

  English: Largely, Russian cuisine includes soups and pies. (General cultural reference.)

• Русский: В значительной степени, пандемия изменила наши повседневные привычки.

  English: Largely, the pandemic has changed our daily habits. (Broader societal impact.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are adverbial phrases rather than single inflected words, so they generally do not change form based on gender, number, or case. However, for completeness:

• в основном: This is an invariable adverbial expression; it remains the same in all contexts (e.g., no conjugation or declension).
• преимущественно: Also invariable as an adverb, though derived from the adjective "преимущественный," which can inflect (e.g., nominative singular feminine: преимущественная). In this usage, it does not change.
• в значительной степени: "Значительной" is an adjective in the prepositional case, which can inflect based on context. For example:

For irregular forms, note that adverbs like these are typically fixed, making them easier for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • главным образом (mainly, with a focus on the primary element)
  • в основном (as above, but more neutral)
  • прежде всего (primarily, with a slight emphasis on first importance)
• Antonyms:
  • совсем не (not at all)
  • минимально (minimally)
  • в незначительной степени (to a negligible extent)

Related Phrases:

• в основном из-за - Meaning: mainly because of (e.g., used to explain causes in narratives).
• преимущественно для - Meaning: primarily for (e.g., in contexts of purpose or allocation).
• в значительной мере обусловлено - Meaning: largely determined by (common in analytical or scientific language).

Usage Notes:

'Largely' corresponds most directly to 'в основном' in everyday Russian, making it a safe default for English speakers. However, choose 'преимущественно' for more formal or precise contexts, such as academic writing, to convey a sense of dominance without totality. Be aware of word order in Russian sentences, where these phrases often appear at the beginning or middle for emphasis. Grammatically, they function as adverbs and do not require agreement with nouns, simplifying usage. When multiple translations are available, select based on the desired level of formality: 'в значительной степени' is ideal for quantitative discussions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'в основном' interchangeably with 'очень' (very), leading to overgeneralization. Correct: 'Очень' implies intensity, while 'в основном' indicates extent. Example of error: *В основном хорошая погода* (incorrect for "very good weather"); Correct: В основном хорошая погода means "largely good weather," not "very good."

• Error: Omitting the preposition in phrases like 'в значительной степени,' resulting in ungrammatical sentences. Correct: Always include 'в' for proper structure. Example of error: *Значительной степени зависит* (incorrect); Correct: В значительной степени зависит.

Cultural Notes:

While 'largely' and its Russian equivalents don't carry strong cultural connotations, phrases like 'в основном' are frequently used in Russian media and literature to reflect a pragmatic view of reality, often acknowledging exceptions in a society that values thoroughness and nuance in communication.

Related Concepts:

• в целом (overall)
• по большей части (for the most part)
• в основном благодаря (largely thanks to)