Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'recessive'

English Word: recessive

Key Russian Translations:

• рецессивный [rʲɪt͡sɛˈsʲɪvnɨj] - [Formal, Scientific context; used in genetics and biology]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily encountered in scientific, academic, or technical discussions; not common in everyday conversation but essential in specialized fields like genetics).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with scientific terminology and basic Russian adjective declensions; suitable for learners with some exposure to technical language).

Pronunciation (Russian):

рецессивный: [rʲɪt͡sɛˈsʲɪvnɨj]

Note on рецессивный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("sʲɪv"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the palatalized consonants (e.g., 'ц' as [t͡s] and 'с' as [sʲ]). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: In genetics, referring to a trait or gene that is expressed only when both alleles are present and identical.

Translation(s) & Context:

• рецессивный - Used in formal scientific contexts, such as describing inherited characteristics in biology; commonly appears in medical or educational texts.

Usage Examples:

• В генетике рецессивный ген проявляется только в случае гомозиготности. (In genetics, a recessive gene is expressed only in the case of homozygosity.)

  Translation: In genetics, a recessive gene is expressed only in the case of homozygosity. (This example shows the adjective in a scientific sentence, highlighting its role in describing genetic inheritance.)

• Рецессивный признак может быть унаследован от обоих родителей. (A recessive trait can be inherited from both parents.)

  Translation: A recessive trait can be inherited from both parents. (Demonstrates the adjective in a simple declarative sentence, emphasizing inheritance patterns.)

• У этого заболевания рецессивный механизм передачи. (This disease has a recessive mode of transmission.)

  Translation: This disease has a recessive mode of transmission. (Illustrates usage in medical contexts, with the adjective modifying a noun.)

• В популяционной генетике рецессивные аллели часто скрыты доминантными. (In population genetics, recessive alleles are often masked by dominant ones.)

  Translation: In population genetics, recessive alleles are often masked by dominant ones. (Shows the term in a comparative structure, common in academic writing.)

• Рецессивный фенотип наблюдается редко в гетерозиготных особях. (A recessive phenotype is rarely observed in heterozygous individuals.)

  Translation: A recessive phenotype is rarely observed in heterozygous individuals. (Highlights the adjective in a sentence discussing rarity and genetic variation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

рецессивный is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard patterns of first-declension adjectives. It is invariable in gender, number, and case when used predicatively, but it declines when used attributively (i.e., modifying a noun). Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective is regular and follows common Russian adjective patterns, making it straightforward for learners once basic declensions are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • скрытый (skrytyy) - More general term for "hidden," often used interchangeably in non-technical contexts but less precise in genetics.
  • неявный (neyavnyy) - Implies something not immediately apparent, with a subtle nuance of subtlety in scientific discussions.
• Antonyms:
  • доминантный (dominantnyy) - Directly opposite, referring to traits that are expressed even with one allele.
  • явный (yavnyy) - General antonym meaning "obvious" or "manifest," used in broader contexts.

Related Phrases:

• рецессивный ген (recessivnyy gen) - Meaning: Recessive gene; used in discussions of inheritance patterns.
• рецессивный аллель (recessivnyy al'lel') - Meaning: Recessive allele; common in genetic studies to describe non-dominant variants.
• рецессивное наследование (recessivnoye nasledovaniye) - Meaning: Recessive inheritance; refers to the mode by which traits are passed down.

Usage Notes:

рецессивный is a direct cognate of the English "recessive" and is primarily used in scientific and technical contexts, making it a precise translation for genetics-related discussions. It should be used with formal language, as informal equivalents are rare. When choosing between translations, opt for рецессивный in academic writing or lectures; be aware of its declension to match the noun it modifies (e.g., always decline based on case, gender, and number). English speakers may find it helpful to remember that Russian adjectives like this one agree with their nouns, unlike in English.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect: Using the base form "рецессивный" in all cases without declension (e.g., "Я имею рецессивный ген" instead of "Я имею рецессивный ген" – wait, actually correct here, but errors occur in other cases like genitive: "гена рецессивный" instead of "гена рецессивного").

  Correct: "Гена рецессивного" (Of the recessive gene). Explanation: Learners often forget adjective-noun agreement; always ensure the adjective declines properly to avoid grammatical errors.

• Incorrect: Confusing with "доминантный" and using it interchangeably (e.g., saying "рецессивный аллель" when meaning a dominant one).

  Correct: Use "доминантный аллель" for dominant. Explanation: This mix-up stems from misunderstanding genetic concepts; double-check the context to select the right term.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific literature, terms like рецессивный reflect the influence of Western genetics, particularly from the 20th century when Mendelian principles were adopted. It carries no strong cultural connotations but is tied to advancements in Soviet biology, where genetics was a key field despite political suppressions like Lysenkoism. Understanding this term helps English learners appreciate how Russian science integrates global concepts while maintaining its own linguistic nuances.

Related Concepts:

• доминантный (dominantnyy)
• генетика (genetika)
• наследственность (nasledstvennost')