Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'preeminent'

English Word: preeminent

Key Russian Translations:

• выдающийся [vɨˈdajʊʂːɪjsjɪj] - [Formal, used for outstanding or superior qualities]
• превосходный [prʲɪˈvosxədnɨj] - [Formal, often implying excellence in a comparative sense]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, professional, and literary contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective forms and nuanced vocabulary; for 'выдающийся', B2; for 'превосходный', B1)

Pronunciation (Russian):

выдающийся: [vɨˈdajʊʂːɪjsjɪj]

превосходный: [prʲɪˈvosxədnɨj]

Note on выдающийся: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the 'щ' sound, which is a soft, hissing fricative unique to Russian.

Note on превосходный: Pronounce the 'о' as a short 'o' sound; this word has a more fluid rhythm in spoken Russian.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Outstanding or superior in a field

Translation(s) & Context:

• выдающийся - Used in formal contexts to describe someone or something that stands out due to exceptional qualities, such as a preeminent scientist.
• превосходный - Applied in contexts emphasizing excellence over others, like a preeminent achievement in art or sports.

Usage Examples:

• Он был выдающимся учёным в области физики.

  He was a preeminent scientist in the field of physics.

• Эта книга представляет превосходный пример современной литературы.

  This book is a preeminent example of modern literature.

• В университете она считалась выдающейся студенткой.

  At the university, she was considered a preeminent student.

• Превосходный оркестр дал незабываемое выступление.

  The preeminent orchestra gave an unforgettable performance.

• Его выдающаяся карьера в политике сделала его национальным героем.

  His preeminent career in politics made him a national hero.

Secondary Meaning: Foremost or leading in importance

Translation(s) & Context:

• выдающийся - In contexts highlighting leadership or primacy, such as a preeminent role in history.
• превосходный - Less common for this meaning, but used when implying superiority in rank or influence.

Usage Examples:

• Выдающийся вклад России в космонавтику известен во всем мире.

  Russia's preeminent contribution to space exploration is known worldwide.

• Превосходный статус этой компании в отрасли неоспорим.

  The preeminent status of this company in the industry is undisputed.

• Он занимает выдающееся место в истории русской литературы.

  He holds a preeminent place in the history of Russian literature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'выдающийся' and 'превосходный' are adjectives in Russian, which inflect based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow regular patterns for most forms.

These adjectives follow the standard first-declension pattern for hard-stem adjectives. They do not have irregular forms, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • замечательный (remarkable; often used for something noteworthy but less formal than выдающийся)
  • отличный (excellent; more casual and everyday, implying high quality without extreme superiority)
• Antonyms:
  • посредственный (mediocre; implies average or subpar performance)
  • незначительный (insignificant; used for something of little importance)

Related Phrases:

• выдающийся учёный - A preeminent scholar (used in academic discussions to highlight expertise).
• превосходный результат - An outstanding result (common in professional or evaluative contexts).
• выдающаяся личность - A preeminent personality (refers to influential figures in history or culture).

Usage Notes:

'Выдающийся' is the most direct translation for 'preeminent' when emphasizing exceptional status, and it's preferred in formal writing or speeches. 'Превосходный' can be used interchangeably but often carries a comparative nuance, suggesting something better than others. Be mindful of context: in Russian, these adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. For English learners, choose 'выдающийся' for historical or biographical contexts and 'превосходный' for quality assessments. Avoid overusing in casual speech, as it may sound overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'выдающийся' without proper agreement, e.g., saying "выдающийся женщина" instead of "выдающаяся женщина". Correct: Ensure the adjective matches the noun's gender (feminine in this case). This mistake arises from English's lack of gender agreement.

• Error: Confusing with 'превосходный' and using it to mean 'preeminent' in non-comparative contexts, e.g., "превосходный лидер" when 'выдающийся' is more appropriate. Correct: Use 'выдающийся' for inherent superiority and 'превосходный' for excellence over alternatives. Explanation: Russian adjectives have subtle shades; misusing them can alter the intended emphasis.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like 'выдающийся' are often associated with national heroes or figures in literature and science, such as Leo Tolstoy or Yuri Gagarin. This reflects Russia's emphasis on intellectual and artistic achievements, where 'preeminent' individuals are celebrated in education and media, fostering a sense of cultural pride.

Related Concepts:

• талантливый (talented)
• известный (famous)
• влиятельный (influential)