Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'redefine'

English Word: redefine

Key Russian Translations:

• переопределять [pʌrʲɪɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Used in technical or abstract contexts]
• заново определять [zɐˈnovə ɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪtʲ] - [Informal, Everyday language]

Frequency: Medium (Common in technical and academic discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and technical vocabulary; for "заново определять", it might be A2 due to simpler structure)

Pronunciation (Russian):

переопределять: [pʌrʲɪɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪtʲ]

заново определять: [zɐˈnovə ɐprʲɪˈdʲelʲɪtʲ]

Note on переопределять: This verb has stress on the fourth syllable, which can be tricky for learners due to its compound nature; variations in rapid speech may soften the initial "pʌrʲ".

Note on заново определять: The word "заново" is stressed on the first syllable, making it easier for beginners.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary meaning: To define something again or differently, often in a technical, conceptual, or abstract sense.

Translation(s) & Context:

• переопределять - Used in formal contexts like programming or philosophy, where redefining implies overriding or altering definitions.
• заново определять - Applied in everyday or informal situations, such as re-explaining ideas in casual conversations.

Usage Examples:

• В программировании мы часто переопределяем методы базового класса для адаптации к новым требованиям.

  In programming, we often redefine methods of the base class to adapt to new requirements.

• Философы любят заново определять понятия, чтобы сделать их актуальными для современного мира.

  Philosophers love to redefine concepts anew to make them relevant to the modern world.

• Чтобы улучшить проект, нам пришлось переопределять ключевые термины на основе последних исследований.

  To improve the project, we had to redefine key terms based on the latest research.

• В повседневной беседе я иногда заново определяю слова, чтобы убедиться, что все понимают правильно.

  In everyday conversation, I sometimes redefine words anew to ensure everyone understands correctly.

• Переопределять правила игры — это обычная практика в динамичных бизнес-средах.

  Redefining the rules of the game is a common practice in dynamic business environments.

Secondary meaning: To reinterpret or change the meaning of something in a broader context.

Translation(s) & Context:

• заново определять - More suitable for personal or creative reinterpretations, such as in art or education.

Usage Examples:

• Художники часто заново определяют классические темы, чтобы отразить современные проблемы.

  Artists often redefine classical themes anew to reflect contemporary issues.

• В образовательных программах мы переопределяем учебный материал для разных возрастных групп.

  In educational programs, we redefine the learning material for different age groups.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both main translations are verbs, so they follow Russian verb conjugation patterns. "Переопределять" and "заново определять" are imperfective verbs, which means they describe ongoing or repeated actions. Russian verbs conjugate based on tense, aspect, person, and number.

Note: These verbs do not have irregular inflections but follow standard patterns for first-conjugation verbs in Russian.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изменять (izmenyat') - To change, often with a focus on alteration.
  • пересматривать (peresmatrivat') - To revise or review, implying a critical reassessment.
• Antonyms:
  • сохранять (sohranyat') - To preserve or maintain without change.
  • фиксировать (fiksirovat') - To fix or establish firmly, opposing redefinition.

Related Phrases:

• Переопределять понятия - To redefine concepts; Used in academic or philosophical discussions to indicate conceptual shifts.
• Заново определять правила - To redefine rules anew; Common in contexts like games or social norms, implying a fresh start.
• Пересмотреть и переопределять подход - To review and redefine an approach; A phrase for strategic planning in business.

Usage Notes:

"Переопределять" is the more precise translation for "redefine" in technical fields like programming, where it directly corresponds to concepts like method overriding. In contrast, "заново определять" is better for everyday English usage, as it conveys a simpler 'redefining' without the formal connotations. Always consider the context: use formal translations in professional writing, and opt for informal ones in casual speech. Grammatically, these verbs require agreement with the subject in person and number, and they often pair with objects in the accusative case.

Common Errors:

• Confusing conjugation: Learners often say "переопределять" as "переопределятьс" (incorrect reflexive form) instead of the correct infinitive. Correct usage: Use "переопределять" without the reflexive particle unless reflexivity is intended. Example of error: "Я переопределятьс метод" (wrong); Correct: "Я переопределяю метод". This happens because English speakers might over-apply reflexive verbs.

• Misusing aspect: Treating it as perfective, e.g., saying "переопределить" for a repeated action. Correct: Use imperfective for ongoing redefinition; Example of error: "Мы переопределить идею вчера" (implies a completed action); Correct: "Мы переопределяли идею вчера".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, redefining concepts is a key theme in literature and philosophy, influenced by thinkers like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, who often "redefine" moral and social ideas. This reflects Russia's history of rapid societal changes, such as during the Soviet era, where terms were redefined to fit ideological shifts, helping users understand the dynamic nature of language in cultural evolution.

Related Concepts:

• адаптировать (adaptovat')
• модифицировать (modifitsirovat')
• реформировать (reformirovat')