Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'outstrip'

English Word: outstrip

Key Russian Translations:

• обогнать /ɐ.bɐˈɡnatʲ/ - [Informal, Used in competitive or speed-related contexts]
• превзойти /prʲɪvˈzɔɪtʲ/ - [Formal, Used for surpassing in achievement or quality]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations about competition and progress, but not as frequent as basic verbs)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of verb conjugations and context, with variations in formality)

Pronunciation (Russian):

обогнать: /ɐ.bɐˈɡnatʲ/

Note on обогнать: The stress falls on the second syllable, and the final 'ть' is a soft consonant, which can be tricky for learners. Pronunciation may vary slightly in rapid speech.

превзойти: /prʲɪvˈzɔɪtʲ/

Note on превзойти: This word has a palatalized 'р' sound, which is common in Russian but may require practice for English speakers. Avoid overemphasizing the 'з'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To go faster or further than someone or something, often in a physical or competitive sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• обогнать - Typically used in informal contexts like sports or racing, implying a temporary overtake.
• превзойти - Used in formal contexts for long-term surpassing, such as in achievements or development.

Usage Examples:

• Вчера на велогонке он обогнал всех соперников.

  Yesterday in the bike race, he outstripped all his rivals.

• Моя команда обогнала конкурентов по продажам в прошлом квартале.

  My team outstripped the competitors in sales last quarter.

• Автомобиль обогнал автобус на шоссе.

  The car outstripped the bus on the highway.

• В технологическом развитии Китай обогнал многие страны.

  In technological development, China has outstripped many countries.

Meaning 2: To surpass someone or something in achievement, quantity, or quality.

Translation(s) & Context:

• превзойти - Preferred in formal or professional settings, emphasizing excellence or superiority.
• обогнать - Can be used informally, but less common for non-physical surpassing.

Usage Examples:

• Её инновации превзошли ожидания инвесторов.

  Her innovations outstripped the investors' expectations.

• Компания превзошла конкурентов в области искусственного интеллекта.

  The company outstripped its competitors in the field of artificial intelligence.

• В производстве энергии Россия превзошла европейские стандарты.

  In energy production, Russia has outstripped European standards.

• Его навыки превзошли уровень новичка за короткое время.

  His skills outstripped the beginner level in a short time.

• Обогнав ожидания, проект завершился раньше срока.

  Outstripping expectations, the project finished ahead of schedule.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For обогнать (a perfective verb, imperfective form: обгонять), it follows standard Russian verb conjugation patterns for motion verbs. It is irregular in some aspects due to its perfective nature.

For превзойти (another perfective verb, imperfective: превосходить), it has similar conjugation but is more formal and less frequently used in everyday speech. It remains unchanged in infinitive form and follows standard patterns without major irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • обойти (to bypass, often in a literal path)
  • перещеголять (to outshine, with a connotation of flair)
• Antonyms:
  • отстать (to fall behind)
  • уступить (to yield or concede)

Note: "Обойти" is more neutral and can imply strategy, while "перещеголять" adds a sense of superiority with style.

Related Phrases:

• Обогнать в развитии - Outstrip in development (Used in contexts like economic or technological growth).
• Превзойти ожидания - Surpass expectations (Common in professional or personal achievement scenarios).
• Обогнать конкурентов - Outstrip competitors (Frequently used in business or sports).

Usage Notes:

"Обогнать" is the more direct equivalent to "outstrip" in informal settings, especially for physical speed, while "превзойти" is better for abstract or formal surpassing. English speakers should note the aspect system in Russian: use perfective forms like these for completed actions. In formal writing, opt for "превзойти" to convey sophistication. Be mindful of context—sports use "обогнать," while academic discussions prefer "превзойти." If the action is ongoing, switch to imperfective forms like "обгонять."

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "обогнать" in formal contexts where "превзойти" is more appropriate, e.g., saying "Я обогнал своих коллег в знаниях" instead of "Я превзошел своих коллег в знаниях." Correct: The latter implies intellectual superiority without the physical connotation.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, such as saying "Я обогналы" (wrong form) instead of "Я обогнал." Explanation: Russian verbs change based on gender and number in the past tense; ensure agreement with the subject.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms, e.g., using "обойти" to mean outstrip in speed, which might imply evasion rather than surpassing. Correct: Stick to "обогнать" for direct competition.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "обогнать" and "превзойти" often reflect the competitive spirit in areas such as sports (e.g., in events like the Olympics) or national progress, echoing historical narratives of Russia's rapid industrialization and space achievements. They can carry a sense of national pride when used in contexts like economic rivalry.

Related Concepts:

• Скорость (speed)
• Конкуренция (competition)
• Прогресс (progress)