Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'postulate'

English Word: postulate

Key Russian Translations:

• постулат [pɐˈstʊlət] - [Formal, Used in academic, scientific, or mathematical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and academic writing but less so in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and basic Russian noun declensions)

Pronunciation (Russian):

постулат: [pɐˈstʊlət]

Note on постулат: The stress falls on the second syllable (ˈstʊ). Pronunciation may vary slightly by region, but this is the standard Moscow-based variant. Pay attention to the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A fundamental assumption or principle (e.g., in science or mathematics)

Translation(s) & Context:

• постулат - Typically used in formal, academic contexts to denote a basic assumption that is accepted without proof, such as in geometry or logic.

Usage Examples:

• В математике постулат Евклида является основой геометрии.

  In mathematics, Euclid's postulate is the foundation of geometry.

• Этот постулат физики помогает объяснить явления света.

  This postulate of physics helps explain phenomena of light.

• В философии постулат о свободе воли часто обсуждается учеными.

  In philosophy, the postulate of free will is often debated by scholars.

• Постулат теории относительности изменил наше понимание времени.

  The postulate of the theory of relativity changed our understanding of time.

• Без базового постулата невозможно построить логическую аргументацию.

  Without a basic postulate, it's impossible to build a logical argument.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Постулат" is a masculine noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows a regular pattern for most cases but has specific changes in plural forms. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The word is invariant in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • предположение (predpolozhenie) - A general assumption, often less formal than постулат.
  • аксиома (aksioma) - Similar to postulate but specifically in logical or mathematical contexts; interchangeable in some cases.
• Antonyms:
  • опровержение (oprovzhenie) - Refutation or denial, contrasting the idea of an accepted assumption.

Related Phrases:

• Основной постулат (Osnovnoy postulat) - Main postulate; used to refer to a primary principle in a theory.
• Постулат Евклида (Postulat Evklida) - Euclid's postulate; a specific historical reference in geometry.
• Безусловный постулат (Bezuslovnyy postulat) - Unconditional postulate; implies an assumption that is taken as absolute.

Usage Notes:

"Постулат" directly corresponds to the English "postulate" as a noun, particularly in scientific or philosophical contexts. It is always used in formal settings and should be avoided in casual conversation. When translating, choose "постулат" for precise, axiomatic meanings rather than general assumptions (where "предположение" might be more appropriate). Grammatically, remember that as a masculine noun, it requires agreement in gender, number, and case with accompanying adjectives or verbs. For example, in a sentence like "This postulate is important," use the nominative case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "о постулат" instead of "о постулате" in prepositional contexts. Correct: "О постулате" means "about the postulate." Explanation: Russian requires the prepositional case for phrases like "about" or "in," so learners must decline the noun properly to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Error: Confusing it with "предположение" and using it interchangeably. Correct: Use "постулат" only for fundamental principles, not everyday guesses. Explanation: This can lead to imprecision in academic writing; for instance, "My postulate for today" should be "Мое предположение на сегодня" if it's not a formal axiom.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and intellectual history, "постулат" is heavily associated with the development of mathematics and science, influenced by figures like Euclid and later Soviet-era physicists. It embodies a rational, evidence-based approach to knowledge, reflecting Russia's strong tradition in theoretical sciences. Understanding this term can deepen appreciation for Russian contributions to global academia, such as in relativity theory by Einstein, which was widely discussed in Russian scientific circles.

Related Concepts:

• гипотеза (hypothesis)
• теорема (theorem)
• аксиома (axiom)