Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'polarity'

English Word: polarity

Key Russian Translations:

• полярность [pɐˈlʲarnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Scientific context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific and technical discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian grammar, as it is a noun with standard inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

полярность: [pɐˈlʲarnəsʲtʲ]

Note on полярность: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nar"), which is a common feature in Russian abstract nouns. Be mindful of the soft sign (ʲ) indicating palatalization of the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. In physics or science: The property of having two opposite poles or charges, such as in magnetism or electricity.

Translation(s) & Context:

• полярность - Used in formal scientific writing, lectures, or technical discussions to describe electrical, magnetic, or chemical polarity.

Usage Examples:

• В электричестве полярность кабеля играет ключевую роль в предотвращении короткого замыкания.

  In electricity, the polarity of the cable plays a key role in preventing short circuits.

• У магнитных полей есть положительная и отрицательная полярность, которые определяют их взаимодействие.

  Magnetic fields have positive and negative polarity, which determines their interaction.

• Полярность молекулы воды делает её отличным растворителем для многих веществ.

  The polarity of a water molecule makes it an excellent solvent for many substances.

• В эксперименте мы изучили, как полярность влияет на скорость химической реакции.

  In the experiment, we studied how polarity affects the speed of a chemical reaction.

• Изменение полярности в батарее может привести к обратному току и повреждению устройства.

  Changing the polarity in a battery can lead to reverse current and damage to the device.

2. In a broader sense: Opposition or contrast, such as in language or social contexts (less common translation).

Translation(s) & Context:

• полярность - Occasionally used metaphorically in discussions of ideas or emotions, but less precise than in science; prefer in formal or academic settings.

Usage Examples:

• В дебатах подчеркивается полярность мнений между консерваторами и либералами.

  In debates, the polarity of opinions between conservatives and liberals is emphasized.

• Полярность культурных ценностей в разных странах часто приводит к недоразумениям.

  The polarity of cultural values in different countries often leads to misunderstandings.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Полярность" is a feminine noun (feminine singular in the nominative case) and follows the standard third declension pattern for abstract nouns in Russian. It is invariable in terms of gender but changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • противоположность (antonymy or opposition; used more for abstract contrasts)
  • дифференциация (more specific to differentiation in science)
• Antonyms:
  • нейтральность (neutrality; implies lack of poles or opposition)
  • равновесие (equilibrium; balance without polarity)

Note: "Противоположность" is often interchangeable in non-scientific contexts but carries a nuance of direct opposition.

Related Phrases:

• Электрическая полярность - Electrical polarity; refers to the positive and negative charges in circuits.
• Магнитная полярность - Magnetic polarity; used in discussions of magnets and Earth's magnetic field.
• Полярность мнений - Polarity of opinions; a phrase for contrasting viewpoints in debates or social issues.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "полярность" directly corresponds to the English "polarity" in scientific contexts, but it's primarily used in formal or technical language. Avoid using it in casual conversation, as it may sound overly academic. When translating, ensure the context is clear—e.g., electrical vs. ideological polarity. For verbs related to polarity, consider pairing it with actions like "изменять" (to change). If multiple translations exist, choose "полярность" for precision in science and "противоположность" for general opposition.

• Grammar tip: As a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with adjectives or verbs (e.g., "эта полярность важна" – this polarity is important).
• Context tip: In Russian scientific texts, it's often used without articles, unlike in English.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "полярность" with "поляризация" (polarization, a related but distinct concept involving alignment). For example:

• Error: Using "поляризация" when meaning electrical polarity, e.g., "Поляризация кабеля" (incorrect for basic polarity).
• Correct: "Полярность кабеля" – This accurately describes the pole-based property without implying alignment processes.

Explanation: "Поляризация" involves creating polarity, so use it only for processes like in optics or social dynamics.

• Another error: Incorrect inflection, e.g., saying "полярность" in the genitive as "полярность" instead of "полярности".
• Correct: "Изучение полярности" (Study of polarity) – Always check case agreement.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and education, concepts like "полярность" are heavily emphasized in STEM fields due to Russia's strong tradition in physics and space exploration (e.g., contributions to magnetism research by scientists like Lomonosov). This term often appears in educational contexts, reflecting a cultural value on scientific precision and inquiry.

Related Concepts:

• магнетизм (magnetism)
• электричество (electricity)
• противоположность (opposition)
• нейтральность (neutrality)