Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nullify'

English Word: nullify

Key Russian Translations:

• аннулировать (/ɐnʊlʲɪrəˈvatʲ/) - [Formal, Legal contexts]
• отменить (/ɐtˈmʲenʲɪtʲ/) - [Formal, General contexts, but less precise for legal nullification]

Frequency: Medium (Common in legal, official, or administrative documents, but not in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of formal Russian grammar and legal terminology. For 'отменить', it might be slightly easier at B1 due to broader usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

аннулировать: /ɐnʊlʲɪrəˈvatʲ/

отменить: /ɐtˈmʲenʲɪtʲ/

Note on аннулировать: The stress is on the penultimate syllable ('va-'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'л' sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To make something legally invalid or void (e.g., a contract or law)

Translation(s) & Context:

• аннулировать - Used in formal legal or official settings, such as court proceedings or administrative actions.
• отменить - Used more broadly for cancellation, but can apply in legal contexts if the invalidation is not permanent.

Usage Examples:

• Суд аннулировал договор из-за нарушения условий.

  The court nullified the contract due to breach of conditions.

• Правительство аннулировало старый закон, чтобы ввести новые правила.

  The government nullified the old law to introduce new regulations.

• Если вы не согласны, вы можете аннулировать сделку в течение 14 дней.

  If you disagree, you can nullify the deal within 14 days.

• Компания отменила (или аннулировала) лицензию из-за неуплаты.

  The company nullified the license due to non-payment. (Here, 'отменила' is used interchangeably but less formally.)

Secondary Meaning: To counteract or neutralize something (e.g., an effect or action)

Translation(s) & Context:

• аннулировать - In metaphorical or scientific contexts, though less common.
• отменить - More frequent in everyday neutralization scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Это лекарство может аннулировать эффект алкоголя.

  This medicine can nullify the effect of alcohol.

• Новые данные аннулировали предыдущие выводы исследования.

  The new data nullified the previous research findings.

• Чтобы аннулировать влияние шума, используйте шумопоглощающие наушники.

  To nullify the influence of noise, use noise-cancelling headphones.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are verbs, which follow standard Russian conjugation patterns. 'Аннулировать' is a first-conjugation verb, while 'отменить' is also first-conjugation but more irregular in some forms.

Note: These verbs do not have irregular forms in most cases, but aspect (perfective/imperfective) should be considered; e.g., 'аннулировать' is imperfective, while a perfective counterpart might be 'аннулировать' in specific contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • упразднить (uprazdnit' - to abolish, often used for institutions)
  • ликвидировать (likvidirovat' - to liquidate, more for organizations)
• Antonyms:
  • утвердить (utverdit' - to approve or confirm)
  • подтвердить (podtverdif' - to verify)

Brief note: 'Упразднить' is similar to 'аннулировать' but implies complete removal, whereas 'утвердить' directly opposes by making something official.

Related Phrases:

• Аннулировать договор - To nullify a contract (used in legal agreements).
• Отменить решение - To nullify a decision (common in administrative or judicial contexts).
• Аннулировать визу - To nullify a visa (immigration-related phrase).

Usage Notes:

'Аннулировать' is the most precise translation for 'nullify' in legal contexts, as it implies making something void with no residual effect. In contrast, 'отменить' is more general and might not convey the same permanence. English users should note that Russian verbs often require consideration of aspect (e.g., perfective vs. imperfective); use 'аннулировать' for ongoing processes. It's typically formal, so avoid in casual speech. When choosing between translations, opt for 'аннулировать' in official documents and 'отменить' in everyday scenarios like canceling plans.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'аннулировать' interchangeably with 'отменить' in non-legal contexts, e.g., saying "Я аннулирую ужин" instead of "Я отменю ужин" for canceling dinner. Correct: 'Отменить' is more appropriate for everyday cancellations. Explanation: 'Аннулировать' sounds overly formal and may confuse native speakers.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Я аннулирует" instead of "Я аннулирую". Correct: Follow the first-conjugation pattern. Explanation: English speakers often overlook Russian verb endings, which change based on person and tense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and legal systems, terms like 'аннулировать' are heavily influenced by Soviet-era bureaucracy, where official documents and decisions often require formal invalidation processes. This reflects a cultural emphasis on written records and state authority, which can make such vocabulary feel more rigid compared to English equivalents.

Related Concepts:

• договор (contract)
• закон (law)
• решение (decision)