Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plethora'

English Word: plethora

Key Russian Translations:

• множество [ˈmnoʒəstvə] - [Formal; used for a large quantity]
• избыток [ɪzˈbytək] - [Formal; used for an excessive amount]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in formal writing and discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and formal vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

множество: [ˈmnoʒəstvə]

Note on множество: The stress is on the first syllable; be careful with the 'zh' sound, which is similar to the 's' in 'measure'.

избыток: [ɪzˈbytək]

Note on избыток: The 'ы' sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced like a high, centralized 'i'; stress falls on the second syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A large or excessive amount

Translation(s) & Context:

• множество - Used in formal contexts, such as academic or descriptive writing, to indicate a significant quantity without implying negativity.
• избыток - Applied in situations where excess is implied, like in economic or health-related discussions, often with a connotation of surplus.

Usage Examples:

• В этом музее есть множество экспонатов из разных эпох. (In this museum, there is a plethora of exhibits from various eras.)

  Translation: In this museum, there is a plethora of exhibits from various eras. (This shows 'множество' in a neutral, descriptive context.)

• Избыток сахара в рационе может привести к проблемам со здоровьем. (An excess of sugar in the diet can lead to health issues.)

  Translation: A plethora of sugar in the diet can lead to health issues. (Here, 'избыток' highlights excess in a cautionary context.)

• Множество идей пришло мне в голову во время прогулки. (A plethora of ideas came to me during the walk.)

  Translation: A plethora of ideas came to me during the walk. (Demonstrates 'множество' in everyday creative scenarios.)

• Из-за избытка туристов город стал переполненным. (Due to a plethora of tourists, the city has become overcrowded.)

  Translation: Due to a plethora of tourists, the city has become overcrowded. (Illustrates 'избыток' in social or urban contexts.)

• В библиотеке есть множество книг по истории, но избыток современных изданий. (In the library, there is a plethora of history books, but an excess of modern publications.)

  Translation: In the library, there is a plethora of history books, but an excess of modern publications. (Shows both words in a comparative sentence.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "множество" and "избыток" are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard neuter declension patterns. "Множество" is typically used in singular form but can inflect for case. "Избыток" also inflects regularly.

These nouns do not have plural forms in most contexts, as they inherently imply a collective or mass quantity. Irregularities are minimal, following standard Russian neuter patterns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: много (meaning 'many' or 'much', more casual); обилие (meaning 'abundance', similar to 'plethora')
• Antonyms: недостаток (meaning 'shortage' or 'lack')

Related Phrases:

• множество людей - A multitude of people; used to describe a large crowd in social or demographic contexts.
• избыток информации - An excess of information; common in discussions about information overload or digital media.
• множество вариантов - A plethora of options; refers to abundant choices in decision-making scenarios.

Usage Notes:

"Множество" best corresponds to the neutral sense of 'plethora' as a large quantity, making it suitable for formal or academic English translations. In contrast, "избыток" aligns more with the excessive connotation, so choose it when 'plethora' implies negativity or surplus. Both are formal; avoid in casual speech. Grammatically, ensure correct case agreement with accompanying words, as Russian requires nouns to inflect based on sentence structure.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "множество" with "мало" (meaning 'little' or 'few'), leading to incorrect usage like saying "множество людей" when meaning scarcity. Correct usage: Use "множество" for abundance and "мало" for scarcity. Example of error: *Множество еды в холодильнике* when intending to say there's little food (should be "мало еды").

• Another error is failing to inflect properly, e.g., using "множество" in the wrong case, such as *Я видел множество* instead of *Я видел множество людей* in contexts requiring genitive. Always check the governing preposition or verb for case requirements.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and literature, words like "множество" often appear in contexts emphasizing Russia's vast resources or historical abundance, such as in descriptions of the country's natural wealth in works by authors like Tolstoy. This reflects a broader cultural narrative of expansiveness, but "plethora" itself doesn't carry unique cultural baggage.

Related Concepts:

• количество
• обилие
• недостаток