Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'numerous'

English Word: numerous

Key Russian Translations:

• многочисленный [mə.nɐ.ɡəˈɕiː.slʲɪ.nɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• множественный [mˈnɐ.ʐɛs.tvʲɪ.nɨj] - [Informal, Used in specific contexts like mathematics or lists]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly encountered in written Russian, such as in literature, news, and formal descriptions, but less so in everyday spoken language.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of adjective inflections, which can be challenging for beginners due to case and gender variations. For 'многочисленный', it's at B1; 'множественный' is also B1 but may feel easier in technical contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

многочисленный: [mə.nɐ.ɡəˈɕiː.slʲɪ.nɨj]

множественный: [mˈnɐ.ʐɛs.tvʲɪ.nɨj]

Note on многочисленный: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('ɕiː'), which is a common point of difficulty for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronunciation can vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Consisting of a large number of individuals, elements, or items

Translation(s) & Context:

• многочисленный - Used in formal or descriptive contexts, such as describing crowds, groups, or collections in writing or speeches.
• множественный - Applied in more specific scenarios, like in mathematics (e.g., multiple choices) or when emphasizing variety, often in informal or technical discussions.

Usage Examples:

• В городе собралась многочисленная толпа протестующих.

  In the city, a numerous crowd of protesters gathered.

• Множественные варианты ответа сделали тест более сложным.

  Numerous options made the test more difficult.

• Эта конференция привлекла многочисленных участников из разных стран.

  This conference attracted numerous participants from various countries.

• В музее выставлены множественные экспонаты эпохи Возрождения.

  In the museum, there are numerous exhibits from the Renaissance era.

• Многочисленные ошибки в документе привели к задержке проекта.

  Numerous errors in the document led to the project's delay.

Meaning: Existing in great quantity or abundance (less common nuance)

Translation(s) & Context:

• многочисленный - In contexts emphasizing abundance, such as in historical or statistical descriptions.

Usage Examples:

• Многочисленные ресурсы региона сделали его привлекательным для инвесторов.

  The numerous resources of the region made it attractive to investors.

• В библиотеке хранится множество книг, но многочисленные редкие издания особенно ценны.

  The library holds many books, but the numerous rare editions are especially valuable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are adjectives, which in Russian undergo inflections based on gender, number, and case. 'Многочисленный' is a regular adjective and follows standard patterns, while 'множественный' is also regular but may vary slightly in technical uses.

Note: These adjectives do not change for feminine or neuter forms in a completely irregular way but follow the standard adjectival paradigm. They remain invariant in comparative forms if not used comparatively.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • многочисленный - Often interchangeable with обширный (obshirnyy, meaning extensive), but обширный emphasizes breadth more.
  • множественный - Synonymous with разнообразный (raznoobraznyy, meaning varied), especially in contexts of diversity.
• Antonyms:
  • Единичный (edinitchnyy) - Meaning singular or individual.
  • Ограниченный (ogrannichennyy) - Meaning limited or restricted.

Related Phrases:

• Большое количество - Meaning "a large quantity" or "numerous amounts"; used in everyday contexts to quantify items.
• Многочисленная группа - Meaning "a numerous group"; common in social or organizational descriptions.
• Множественные варианты - Meaning "numerous options"; often in decision-making or choices.

Usage Notes:

'Многочисленный' is the most direct equivalent to 'numerous' in formal English-Russian translation, ideal for contexts like descriptions of events or populations. It should be inflected according to the noun it modifies, e.g., use the genitive case for possession. 'Множественный' is better for scenarios involving multiplicity or options, such as in tech or math. English speakers often overlook case agreements, so always match the adjective to the noun's gender, number, and case. In informal speech, simpler alternatives like 'много' (many) might be preferred.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'многочисленный' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "многочисленный толпа" instead of "многочисленная толпа" (feminine noun requires feminine adjective form).

  Correct: "Многочисленная толпа" - Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender; here, 'толпа' is feminine, so the adjective changes accordingly.

• Error: Confusing 'многочисленный' with 'множественный' in non-technical contexts, e.g., using 'множественный' for a general crowd when 'многочисленный' is more appropriate.

  Correct: Use 'многочисленный' for sheer numbers; 'множественный' for variety. Explanation: This can lead to miscommunication, as 'множественный' implies diversity rather than just quantity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'многочисленный' often appear in historical or literary contexts, such as describing the vast crowds in revolutionary events (e.g., in Soviet-era texts). This reflects a cultural emphasis on collectivism and scale, where large groups symbolize unity or power, contrasting with individualistic Western narratives.

Related Concepts:

• Обширный (obshirnyy)
• Разнообразный (raznoobraznyy)
• Массовый (massovyy)