Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'monolith'

English Word: monolith

Key Russian Translations:

• монолит /mɐnɐˈlʲit/ - [Formal, often used in technical or scientific contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specialized fields like geology, architecture, and computing, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate) - Requires familiarity with borrowed words and context-specific vocabulary

Pronunciation (Russian):

монолит: /mɐnɐˈlʲit/

Note on монолит: The stress falls on the second syllable ('na'), which is a common feature in Russian borrowed words. Pronounce the 'лʲ' as a soft 'l' sound, similar to the 'll' in "million".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Literal meaning: A large single upright block of stone or rock.

Translation(s) & Context:

• монолит - Used in geological, architectural, or natural contexts to describe a massive, undivided stone structure.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В Сахаре мы обнаружили древний монолит, который сохранился веками.

  English translation: In the Sahara, we discovered an ancient monolith that has survived for centuries.

• Русский пример: Археологи изучили монолит на раскопках, чтобы определить его возраст.

  English translation: Archaeologists examined the monolith at the excavation site to determine its age.

• Русский пример: Этот монолит в музее является символом древней цивилизации.

  English translation: This monolith in the museum is a symbol of an ancient civilization.

• Русский пример: Монолит из гранита используется в строительстве для создания устойчивых фундаментов.

  English translation: The monolith made of granite is used in construction for creating stable foundations.

Metaphorical meaning: A large, indivisible, or unified entity (e.g., in politics, technology, or society).

Translation(s) & Context:

• монолит - Applied metaphorically in discussions of unity or mass structures, such as in computing (e.g., monolithic architecture) or politics.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: В IT-индустрии монолитные системы часто заменяют на микросервисы для большей гибкости.

  English translation: In the IT industry, monolithic systems are often replaced with microservices for greater flexibility.

• Русский пример: Политический монолит страны помог преодолеть экономический кризис.

  English translation: The political monolith of the country helped overcome the economic crisis.

• Русский пример: Монолит общественного мнения не всегда отражает реальные проблемы.

  English translation: The monolith of public opinion doesn't always reflect real issues.

• Русский пример: В архитектуре монолитный дизайн подчеркивает силу и долговечность.

  English translation: In architecture, a monolithic design emphasizes strength and durability.

• Русский пример: Монолит корпорации делает её устойчивой к внешним изменениям.

  English translation: The monolith of the corporation makes it resilient to external changes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Монолит" is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English/Greek, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for inanimate nouns. It is not highly irregular but can vary by case and number. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: As a borrowed word, it may not always inflect in highly formal or technical contexts, but standard rules apply in everyday Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • массив (massiv) - Refers to a large, solid mass, often in geological contexts.
  • блок (blok) - A general term for a large block or unit.
  • целостный объект (tselostnyy ob"yekt) - Emphasizes unity and indivisibility.
• Antonyms:
  • фрагмент (fragment) - A piece or fragment, contrasting with a whole.
  • разрозненный (razrozhennyy) - Scattered or fragmented, especially in metaphorical uses.

Related Phrases:

• Монолитный бетон - A concrete structure that is poured as a single unit; used in construction for durability.
• Монолит власти - Refers to a unified power structure; often in political discussions to describe authoritarian systems.
• Архитектура монолита - Monolithic architecture; a term in IT for non-modular system designs, with the implication of rigidity.

Usage Notes:

"Монолит" directly corresponds to the English "monolith" as a borrowed word, making it a precise translation in technical fields. However, in everyday Russian, it is more formal and less common, so prefer it in professional or academic contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations, use "монолит" for literal stone structures and metaphorical unity, but opt for synonyms like "массив" if a more general term is needed. Be mindful of gender agreement in sentences, as it affects adjectives and verbs (e.g., "большой монолит" for "big monolith").

• In metaphorical uses, it can carry connotations of strength and permanence, similar to English, but avoid overusing it in spoken language to prevent sounding overly technical.
• Grammar note: Always ensure proper declension based on sentence role to maintain natural flow.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse "монолит" by treating it as an unchangeable word or confusing it with similar terms. For example:

• Error: Using "монолит" in the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я видел монолит" when it should be "Я видел монолит" (correct for accusative), but forgetting to adjust in other cases like genitive ("монолита").
• Correct: "У монолита есть история" (The monolith has a history) vs. Incorrect: "У монолит есть история" - Explanation: The genitive form "монолита" is required here to show possession.
• Another common mistake: Overgeneralizing it in metaphorical contexts, e.g., saying "Монолит общества" incorrectly when "Общество как монолит" might be more natural. Explanation: Use it as a noun modifier carefully to avoid awkward phrasing.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "монолит" can evoke images of ancient monuments like those in Siberia or the Caucasus, symbolizing endurance and historical depth. It also appears in Soviet-era architecture, where monolithic concrete structures represented industrial strength and unity, reflecting themes of collectivism in Russian history.

Related Concepts:

• скала (skala) - Rock or cliff, often associated with natural formations.
• памятник (pamyatnik) - Monument, linking to historical or cultural structures.
• архитектура (arkhitektura) - Architecture, especially in the context of large-scale designs.