Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'possibility'

English Word: possibility

Key Russian Translations:

• возможность [vɐz.mɐʐ.nəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Informal; Used in general contexts to denote potential or feasibility]
• вероятность [vʲɪ.rɐ.jat.nəsʲtʲ] - [Formal; Used when emphasizing likelihood or probability, often in scientific or statistical contexts]

Frequency: High (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in everyday Russian conversation, literature, and media.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; Learners at this level should grasp basic noun forms, but mastering inflections may require practice. For 'вероятность', it remains B1, as it follows standard patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

возможность: [vɐz.mɐʐ.nəsʲtʲ]

Note on возможность: The stress falls on the second syllable ('moz-'), and the 'zh' sound (as in 'measure') can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

вероятность: [vʲɪ.rɐ.jat.nəsʲtʲ]

Note on вероятность: The initial 'vʲ' is a palatalized 'v', which is softer than in English; practice with native audio to capture the nuance.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being possible or feasible

Translation(s) & Context:

• возможность - Used in everyday situations to discuss opportunities, options, or potential outcomes, such as in planning or decision-making.
• вероятность - Applied in contexts involving chance or statistical analysis, like weather forecasts or risk assessment.

Usage Examples:

• Эта возможность открывает новые горизонты для развития.

  This possibility opens new horizons for development.

• В жизни всегда есть вероятность неожиданных перемен.

  In life, there is always the possibility of unexpected changes.

• Мы должны учитывать все возможности, чтобы избежать ошибок.

  We must consider all possibilities to avoid mistakes.

• Вероятность успеха зависит от тщательной подготовки.

  The possibility of success depends on thorough preparation.

• Каждый день предоставляет новые возможности для обучения.

  Every day provides new possibilities for learning.

Potential or chance of occurrence

Translation(s) & Context:

• возможность - Often used in informal discussions about future events or hypothetical scenarios.
• вероятность - More formal, especially in academic or professional settings to quantify uncertainty.

Usage Examples:

• Есть ли возможность встретиться завтра?

  Is there a possibility to meet tomorrow?

• Вероятность дождя сегодня довольно высока.

  The possibility of rain today is quite high.

• Эта инвестиция несет в себе определенную возможность риска.

  This investment carries a certain possibility of risk.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'возможность' and 'вероятность' are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they decline according to case, number, and gender. They follow the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

For 'вероятность', the inflections are identical in pattern: e.g., Genitive singular is 'вероятности'. These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • шанс [ʃans] - More casual, often implying a chance or opportunity.
  • перспектива [pʲɪr.spek.tʲi.və] - Focuses on future potential or outlook.
• Antonyms:
  • невозможность [nʲɪ.vɐz.mɐʐ.nəsʲtʲ] - Directly opposite, meaning impossibility.
  • невероятность [nʲɪ.vʲɪ.rɐ.jat.nəsʲtʲ] - Meaning improbability or unlikelihood.

Related Phrases:

• возможность выбора - The possibility of choice; Used in contexts discussing options or decisions.
• вероятность успеха - The possibility of success; Common in motivational or business language.
• открытые возможности - Open possibilities; Refers to untapped opportunities in life or work.

Usage Notes:

'Возможность' is the most direct translation for 'possibility' in general contexts and is versatile across formal and informal settings, similar to how 'possibility' functions in English. However, 'вероятность' is preferred when the nuance involves probability or statistical chance. Be mindful of Russian's case system: always adjust the noun based on its role in the sentence (e.g., use genitive after prepositions like 'без' for 'without possibility'). English learners often need to choose between these based on context—use 'возможность' for abstract potential and 'вероятность' for measurable outcomes.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'возможность' with 'вероятность': Learners might use 'возможность' when 'вероятность' is more appropriate, e.g., saying "Возможность дождя 50%" (incorrect, as it implies pure possibility) instead of "Вероятность дождя 50%" (correct, for probability). Explanation: 'Возможность' doesn't quantify chance, so stick to 'вероятность' in scientific contexts.
• Ignoring case inflections: For example, using 'возможность' in the wrong case, like "Я думаю о возможность" (incorrect) instead of "Я думаю о возможности" (correct, genitive case). Always check the governing preposition or verb.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'возможность' often carry a philosophical undertone, reflecting the Russian emphasis on fate and opportunity in literature (e.g., in works by Dostoevsky). It symbolizes the potential for change in a society that has historically valued resilience and adaptation, such as during periods of social upheaval.

Related Concepts:

• шанс
• риск
• перспектива