Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'preposterous'

English Word: preposterous

Key Russian Translations:

• абсурдный /ɐbˈsurdnɨj/ - [Formal]
• нелепый /nʲɪˈlʲepɨj/ - [Informal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in discussions, literature, and everyday conversations when expressing disbelief or criticism).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective forms and nuanced vocabulary, but accessible to learners with intermediate Russian proficiency).

Pronunciation (Russian):

абсурдный: /ɐbˈsurdnɨj/

нелепый: /nʲɪˈlʲepɨj/

Note on абсурдный: The stress is on the second syllable; be mindful of the soft 'р' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. A common variant in fast speech might soften the vowels.

Note on нелепый: Pronunciation varies slightly by region; in some dialects, the initial 'н' is more palatalized. Focus on the soft 'л' for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Absurd or ridiculous; something that defies logic or common sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• абсурдный - Used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional discussions, to describe ideas that are illogical or outrageous.
• нелепый - Applied in informal settings, like casual conversations, to highlight something silly or absurd in everyday life.

Usage Examples:

• Это абсурдное предположение, что мы можем путешествовать во времени.

  This is a preposterous assumption that we can travel through time.

• Его нелепая идея заставила всех рассмеяться на собрании.

  His preposterous idea made everyone laugh at the meeting.

• Абсурдно думать, что такая простая машина сможет решить все проблемы.

  It's preposterous to think that such a simple machine can solve all problems.

• Эта нелепая ситуация в фильме делает его таким забавным.

  This preposterous situation in the movie makes it so entertaining.

• Абсурдное поведение политика шокировало общественность.

  The politician's preposterous behavior shocked the public.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "абсурдный" and "нелепый" are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Russian adjectives follow a regular pattern for most forms, agreeing with the nouns they modify. Below is a table for each:

For "абсурдный" (absurdnyy):

For "нелепый" (nelepyy):

These adjectives follow standard hard-stem patterns with no irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • абсурдный - Similar to "глупый" (meaning foolish, but less intense).
  • нелепый - Close to "смешной" (funny in an absurd way) or "идиотский" (idiotic, for informal use).
• Antonyms:
  • логичный (logical)
  • разумный (reasonable)
  • осмысленный (sensible)

Related Phrases:

• абсурдная ситуация - An absurd situation (used to describe chaotic or illogical scenarios in storytelling or real life).
• нелепая идея - A preposterous idea (common in casual debates or humor).
• абсурдно звучит - Sounds preposterous (often in responses to unbelievable claims).

Usage Notes:

"Абсурдный" is the more precise match for "preposterous" in formal contexts, emphasizing intellectual absurdity, while "нелепый" conveys a lighter, more everyday ridiculousness. Choose based on tone: use "абсурдный" in written or professional English-to-Russian translations, and "нелепый" in spoken language. Be aware of grammatical agreement with nouns, as Russian adjectives must inflect. For example, avoid direct word-for-word translation; instead, adapt to the context for natural flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "абсурдный" in informal speech without inflection, e.g., saying "Это абсурдный" instead of "Это абсурдное" for neuter nouns.

  Correct: "Это абсурдное предложение" (This is a preposterous proposal). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case; neglecting this makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.

• Error: Confusing with synonyms like "глупый," leading to overuse in non-absurd contexts.

  Correct: Use "нелепый" for lighter absurdity, e.g., "нелепый план" instead of "глупый план" if the focus is on ridiculousness rather than stupidity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "абсурдный" often appear in literature and satire, influenced by authors like Gogol or absurdist traditions in Soviet-era works. They reflect a cultural penchant for highlighting life's ironies, helping users understand how "preposterous" ideas are portrayed in Russian media as both humorous and critical of societal norms.

Related Concepts:

• иррациональный (irrational)
• парадоксальный (paradoxical)
• фантастический (fantastic, in the sense of unreal)