Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'nullity'

English Word: nullity

Key Russian Translations:

• ничтожность [ˈnʲɪtʂəʐnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Legal context, e.g., referring to something void or invalid]
• нулевость [ˈnulʲɪvəsʲtʲ] - [Technical, e.g., in mathematics or science, referring to a state of being zero or null]

Frequency: Low (This term is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it's more prevalent in specialized fields like law and mathematics.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and legal/technical vocabulary. For 'ничтожность', it may lean towards B2 due to legal nuances, while 'нулевость' is also B2 in technical contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ничтожность: [ˈnʲɪtʂəʐnəsʲtʲ]

Note on ничтожность: The stress falls on the first syllable. Pay attention to the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers as it's softer than a standard 'n'.

нулевость: [ˈnulʲɪvəsʲtʲ]

Note on нулевость: The 'лʲ' is a palatalized 'l', pronounced with the tongue touching the alveolar ridge while anticipating a 'y' sound; common in scientific Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The state of being null, invalid, or without legal force (e.g., in legal contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• ничтожность - Used in formal legal settings to describe contracts, marriages, or actions that are void and have no effect under Russian law.

Usage Examples:

• Суд признал брак ничтожным из-за несоблюдения формальностей.

  The court declared the marriage a nullity due to failure to observe formalities.

• В российском праве ничтожность контракта может быть установлена при доказательстве мошенничества.

  In Russian law, the nullity of a contract can be established upon proof of fraud.

• После апелляции ничтожность решения была подтверждена высшим судом.

  Following the appeal, the nullity of the decision was confirmed by the higher court.

• Ничтожность акта означает, что он никогда не имел юридической силы.

  The nullity of the act means it never had any legal force.

Meaning 2: A state of being zero, insignificant, or without value (e.g., in mathematical or abstract contexts)

Translation(s) & Context:

• нулевость - Applied in technical fields like linear algebra, where it refers to the dimension of the kernel of a matrix, emphasizing a lack of significance.

Usage Examples:

• В линейной алгебре нулевость ядра матрицы указывает на её обратимость.

  In linear algebra, the nullity of a matrix's kernel indicates its invertibility.

• Нулевость вектора делает его непригодным для использования в этом уравнении.

  The nullity of the vector makes it unsuitable for use in this equation.

• Исследование показало нулевость влияния фактора на результат.

  The study revealed the nullity of the factor's influence on the outcome.

• В контексте нулевость может означать полное отсутствие переменной.

  In this context, nullity can mean the complete absence of the variable.

• Нулевость системы подчеркивает её стабильность в математических моделях.

  The nullity of the system underscores its stability in mathematical models.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are feminine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. 'Ничтожность' and 'нулевость' are invariable in terms of gender but change by case, number, and sometimes stress.

Note: These nouns do not have plural forms in most contexts, as they represent abstract concepts. The declension is regular, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • бессмысленность (bessmyslennost') - Emphasizes meaninglessness, often in philosophical contexts.
  • несуществование (nesuschestvovanie) - Highlights non-existence, similar to nullity in abstract terms.
• Antonyms:
  • существование (suschestvovanie) - Existence or validity, contrasting with nullity's lack of substance.
  • действительность (deystvitel'nost') - Reality or effectiveness, especially in legal contexts.

Related Phrases:

• признать ничтожным - To declare something null and void; used in legal proceedings to invalidate contracts.
• в состоянии нулевости - In a state of nullity; refers to systems or variables in mathematical or scientific discussions.
• ничтожность сделки - Nullity of a transaction; a common phrase in Russian contract law.

Usage Notes:

'Nullity' in English often corresponds to 'ничтожность' in legal Russian, but be cautious: Russian law has specific criteria for nullity, such as fraud or coercion, which differ from common law systems. 'Нулевость' is more technical and should be used in scientific contexts to avoid confusion. Choose based on domain—formal for law, technical for math. Always consider the genitive case for possession, e.g., 'ничтожности контракта' for 'of the contract's nullity'.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'ничтожность' with 'нищета' (nischeta, meaning poverty): English learners might mishear or misuse due to similar sounds. Correct: Use 'ничтожность' only for invalidity, not economic hardship. Example of error: "Брак в нищете" (incorrect for nullity); Correct: "Брак в ничтожности".
• Overusing 'нулевость' in non-technical contexts: Beginners might apply it generally, e.g., saying "Это в нулевости" for something insignificant, which is wrong. Correct usage: Reserve for math, like "Нулевость матрицы".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and legal tradition, 'ничтожность' often carries implications from Soviet-era law, where contracts could be declared null for ideological reasons. This reflects a historical emphasis on state control, helping English users understand the term's weight in modern Russian society beyond mere invalidity.

Related Concepts:

• инвалидность (invalidnost') - Disability or invalidity, often linked in legal discussions.
• пустота (pustota) - Emptiness or void, conceptually related in philosophical contexts.
• отсутствие (otsutstvie) - Absence, which can parallel nullity in abstract reasoning.