Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'outmoded'

English Word: outmoded

Key Russian Translations:

• устаревший [ʊstɐˈrʲevʲɪj] - [Formal]
• старый [ˈstarɨj] - [Informal, when emphasizing age over obsolescence]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing and discussions about technology or fashion, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their declensions; for 'устаревший', it's straightforward, but 'старый' may vary by context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

устаревший: [ʊstɐˈrʲevʲɪj]

старый: [ˈstarɨj]

Note on устаревший: The stress falls on the third syllable; be mindful of the soft 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in fast speech may soften the vowels.

Audio: Play pronunciation for устаревший (placeholder for audio file)

Audio: Play pronunciation for старый (placeholder for audio file)

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Something that is outdated or no longer in fashion due to advances in technology, society, or style.

Translation(s) & Context:

• устаревший - Used in formal or technical contexts, such as describing obsolete equipment or ideas.
• старый - Used in informal contexts, emphasizing age but implying obsolescence, e.g., in everyday conversations about possessions.

Usage Examples:

• Этот компьютер устаревший и не поддерживает новые программы.

  This computer is outmoded and doesn't support new programs.

• В моде больше не носят эти старые фасоны одежды.

  These old fashion styles are outmoded and no longer worn.

• Устаревший подход к образованию не подходит для современного мира.

  An outmoded approach to education doesn't fit the modern world.

• Моя старая машина уже устаревшая, пора купить новую.

  My old car is outmoded; it's time to buy a new one.

• В библиотеке есть устаревшие книги, которые никто не читает.

  In the library, there are outmoded books that no one reads anymore.

Secondary Meaning: Ideas or customs that are no longer relevant or effective.

Translation(s) & Context:

• устаревший - In philosophical or social discussions, to denote concepts that have lost relevance.

Usage Examples:

• Устаревший закон не учитывает современные реалии.

  The outmoded law doesn't account for modern realities.

• В компании они придерживаются устаревших традиций, что тормозит развитие.

  In the company, they stick to outmoded traditions, which hinders progress.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'устаревший' and 'старый' are adjectives in Russian, which means they inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives follow a regular pattern for most cases, but 'устаревший' is a bit more formal and less variable in everyday use.

For both words, they remain unchanged in short form (e.g., устаревш for predicate use), which is common in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • устаревший - Similar to 'старый', but more precise for technological obsolescence.
  • немодный [nʲɪˈmodnɨj] - Emphasizes lack of fashion.
  • прошедший [prɐˈʂɛdʂɨj] - Used for things that have passed their prime.
• Antonyms:
  • современный [sɐfˈrʲemʲɪnnɨj] - Modern or up-to-date.
  • актуальный [ɐktʊˈalʲnɨj] - Relevant or current.

Related Phrases:

• Устаревшая технология - Outmoded technology; refers to obsolete tech gadgets or methods.
• Старый стиль - Outmoded style; used in fashion or design contexts.
• Устаревшие идеи - Outmoded ideas; common in debates about social progress.

Usage Notes:

'Устаревший' is the most direct translation for 'outmoded' in formal contexts, such as academic or professional writing, while 'старый' is better for casual conversations. English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, which is a key grammatical difference. When choosing between translations, opt for 'устаревший' if the emphasis is on functional obsolescence, and 'старый' if it's more about age. Be cautious with formal vs. informal settings to avoid sounding unnatural.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'устаревший' without proper declension, e.g., saying "устаревший книга" instead of "устаревшая книга" (for feminine noun).

  Correct: устаревшая книга. Explanation: Russian adjectives must match the noun's gender; this mistake often occurs due to English's lack of declension.

• Error: Confusing 'устаревший' with 'старый' in formal contexts, leading to understatement, e.g., using 'старый' for a legally obsolete law.

  Correct: Use 'устаревший закон'. Explanation: 'Старый' implies mere age, while 'устаревший' conveys functional irrelevance, so context matters for precision.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'устаревший' often carry a connotation of rapid technological change, influenced by Russia's history of Soviet-era innovations becoming obsolete quickly. This can evoke nostalgia or criticism in discussions, reflecting a broader cultural theme of balancing tradition with modernization.

Related Concepts:

• модернизация [mədərnɪˈzatsɨjə]
• инновация [ɪnnɐˈvaʦɨjə]
• традиция [trəˈdʲiʦɨjə]