Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'monotone'

English Word: monotone

Key Russian Translations:

• Монотонный [mɐnɐˈtonnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• Монотонный (в математике) [mɐnɐˈtonnɨj] - [Formal, Technical]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in formal discussions, literature, and technical contexts, but not everyday casual speech).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective forms and contextual usage in Russian).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Монотонный: [mɐnɐˈtonnɨj]

Note on Монотонный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tonn-"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'н' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Relating to a sound or voice that is unchanging in pitch or tone (e.g., dull, repetitive).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Монотонный - Used in formal descriptions of speech or music to indicate a lack of variation, often in educational or professional settings.

Usage Examples:

• Его речь была монотонной, без каких-либо эмоциональных подъемов.

  His speech was monotone, without any emotional highs.

• Монотонный гул машины убаюкивал пассажиров.

  The monotone hum of the machine lulled the passengers to sleep.

• В монотонном ритме работы она потеряла интерес.

  In the monotone rhythm of work, she lost interest.

• Монотонный голос лектора заставил студентов зевать.

  The monotone voice of the lecturer made the students yawn.

• Ее монотонное пение не трогало аудиторию.

  Her monotone singing did not move the audience.

2. In a mathematical or technical context, referring to a function that is either entirely non-increasing or non-decreasing.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Монотонный - Used in scientific or academic contexts, such as in mathematics or data analysis.

Usage Examples:

• Эта функция является монотонной, так как она всегда возрастает.

  This function is monotone, as it always increases.

• В анализе данных монотонные последовательности важны для прогнозирования.

  In data analysis, monotone sequences are important for forecasting.

• Монотонный график функции не имеет локальных максимумов.

  The monotone graph of the function has no local maxima.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Монотонный" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard pattern for adjectives ending in -ый/-ий. It inflects based on gender, number, and case. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This adjective is regular and follows standard Russian adjective declension rules. For the technical sense, it remains unchanged in form but contextually adapted.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Однотонный (similar, but often implies a uniform color or tone; used in artistic contexts)
  • Равномерный (emphasizes evenness, e.g., in rhythm)
• Antonyms:
  • Разнообразный (varied, diverse)
  • Эмоциональный (emotional, in the context of speech)

Related Phrases:

• Монотонный голос - A voice that lacks variation; often used to describe boring lectures.
• Монотонная работа - Repetitive work; implies routine and lack of excitement.
• Монотонный ритм - A steady, unchanging rhythm; common in music or daily routines.

Usage Notes:

"Монотонный" directly corresponds to the English "monotone" in both everyday and technical contexts, but it's more commonly used in formal Russian. Be cautious with gender agreement when using it as an adjective; always match it to the noun it describes (e.g., "монотонный звук" for masculine). In informal speech, native speakers might prefer synonyms like "однотонный" for subtlety. When choosing between translations, use "монотонный" for precise, academic descriptions rather than casual ones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the base form "монотонный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Я слышал монотонный" instead of "Я слышал монотонный звук" (correct: "Я слышал монотонный звук"). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in case, gender, and number with the noun; this mistake can make the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing it with "монотонно" (adverb form), e.g., using "Он говорил монотонный" instead of "Он говорил монотонно". Correct: "Он говорил монотонно" (He spoke in a monotone way). Explanation: Ensure the part of speech matches the context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "монотонный" often carries a negative connotation in everyday contexts, evoking boredom or inefficiency, as seen in literature like Chekhov's works where monotonous routines symbolize life's dullness. This reflects a broader cultural appreciation for emotional expressiveness in communication.

Related Concepts:

• Ритм (rhythm)
• Интонация (intonation)
• Функция (function, in a mathematical sense)