Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'opportunistic'

English Word: opportunistic

Key Russian Translations:

• оппортунистический [ɐpɐrtunɪstʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, often used in political, business, or biological contexts]
• приспособленческий [prʲɪspɐˈsoblʲenʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj] - [Informal, emphasizing adaptability or self-serving behavior]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, political, and professional discussions but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper-Intermediate; requires understanding of complex adjectives and contextual nuances in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

оппортунистический: [ɐpɐrtunɪstʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj]

приспособленческий: [prʲɪspɐˈsoblʲenʲɪtɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on оппортунистический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (tu), and the word may vary slightly in rapid speech; be mindful of the palatalized 't' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Exploiting opportunities with little regard for principles or ethics (e.g., in politics or business)

Translation(s) & Context:

• оппортунистический - Used in formal contexts to describe self-serving behavior, such as in political strategies or negotiations.
• приспособленческий - Applied in informal settings to highlight adaptability that borders on opportunism, like in everyday decision-making.

Usage Examples:

• Его оппортунистический подход к бизнесу помог ему быстро подняться по карьерной лестнице.

  His opportunistic approach to business helped him quickly climb the career ladder.

• В политике оппортунистический лидер часто меняет свои взгляды в зависимости от текущей ситуации.

  In politics, an opportunistic leader often changes their views depending on the current situation.

• Приспособленческий стиль управления позволяет компании выживать в нестабильной экономике.

  An opportunistic management style allows the company to survive in an unstable economy.

• Она проявила оппортунистический характер, воспользовавшись ошибкой конкурента.

  She showed an opportunistic character by taking advantage of her competitor's mistake.

Meaning 2: In biology, relating to organisms that take immediate advantage of available resources (e.g., opportunistic infections)

Translation(s) & Context:

• оппортунистический - Primarily used in scientific or medical contexts to describe pathogens or species.

Usage Examples:

• Оппортунистический инфекции часто возникают у пациентов с ослабленным иммунитетом.

  Opportunistic infections often occur in patients with weakened immune systems.

• В экологии оппортунистический вид быстро размножается в благоприятных условиях.

  In ecology, an opportunistic species quickly multiplies in favorable conditions.

• Приспособленческий микроорганизм адаптируется к новым средам обитания.

  An opportunistic microorganism adapts to new habitats.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow standard adjectival patterns, with some irregularities due to their derived nature.

For оппортунистический (opportunisticheskiy):

For приспособленческий (prisposoblenicheskiy): It follows a similar pattern but is less common and may not inflect as regularly in informal use. It is invariant in some fixed phrases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • приспособленческий (similar but with a connotation of adaptability)
  • эксплуататорский (exploitative, often in a more negative sense)
• Antonyms:
  • принципиальный (principled, emphasizing steadfastness)
  • идеалистический (idealistic, contrasting with self-serving behavior)

Related Phrases:

• оппортунистическая политика - Opportunistic politics (refers to flexible, self-interested political strategies)
• приспособленческий подход - Opportunistic approach (used in business or personal contexts for adaptable tactics)
• оппортунистический вирус - Opportunistic virus (in medical contexts, like infections in immunocompromised individuals)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "оппортунистический" directly mirrors the English "opportunistic" in formal contexts, especially in politics or science, and is often used without emotional bias. However, "приспособленческий" carries a slightly more negative or informal tone, implying cunning or selfishness. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, which can affect sentence structure. When choosing between translations, opt for "оппортунистический" in academic writing and "приспособленческий" in casual conversations. Be cautious with cultural nuances, as these words can imply criticism in Russian discourse.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "оппортунистический" as an invariant word without inflecting it (e.g., saying "оппортунистический женщина" instead of "оппортунистическая женщина"). Correct: Always inflect based on the noun's gender and case. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with their nouns, unlike in English, where "opportunistic" doesn't change form.

• Error: Confusing it with "оппортунист" (opportunist, a noun), leading to misuse in sentences (e.g., treating it as a noun). Correct: Use "оппортунистический" as an adjective only. Explanation: This can alter the sentence's meaning; for example, "Он оппортунист" means "He is an opportunist," while "Он оппортунистический" describes his behavior.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "оппортунистический" often evoke historical contexts, such as Soviet-era politics where opportunism was criticized in literature and propaganda. It can carry a subtle negative connotation, reflecting Russia's emphasis on collective principles over individual gain, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy or in modern discussions of post-Soviet reforms.

Related Concepts:

• политика (politics)
• адаптация (adaptation)
• эксплуатация (exploitation)