Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'resplendent'

English Word: resplendent

Key Russian Translations:

• ослепительный [ɐslʲɪˈpʲitʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal; used in literary or descriptive contexts]
• сияющий [sʲɪˈajʊʂɕɪj] - [Informal; often in everyday speech for something brightly shining]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, descriptions of nature, and formal writing, but not in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective declensions and nuanced vocabulary, though the base form is straightforward for learners at this level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ослепительный: [ɐslʲɪˈpʲitʲɪlʲnɨj]

сияющий: [sʲɪˈajʊʂɕɪj]

Note on ослепительный: The stress is on the third syllable ('pi'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft consonants; pronounce it with a clear 'lʲ' sound. Variations in regional accents may soften the ending.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Shining brightly with glory, magnificence, or splendor (e.g., describing something visually impressive like a sunset or attire).

Translation(s) & Context:

• ослепительный - Used in formal or poetic contexts, such as describing natural phenomena or elegant appearances, to emphasize overwhelming brightness.
• сияющий - Applied in more everyday or positive contexts, like joyful expressions, but can overlap with ослепительный for visual splendor.

Usage Examples:

• Ослепительный закат осветил горы, оставив всех в восторге.

  The resplendent sunset illuminated the mountains, leaving everyone in awe.

• Она появилась на балу в ослепительном платье, которое привлекало все взгляды.

  She appeared at the ball in a resplendent dress that attracted everyone's attention.

• Сияющий ювелирный набор сделал её образ ещё более впечатляющим.

  The resplendent jewelry set made her appearance even more impressive.

• Ослепительный блеск драгоценных камней затмил все другие украшения в комнате.

  The resplendent gleam of the gemstones overshadowed all other jewelry in the room.

• В сияющем свете ламп, комната выглядела ослепительно праздничной.

  In the resplendent light of the lamps, the room looked festively magnificent.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Adjectives like these follow standard patterns for first-declension adjectives. ослепительный is more formal and follows regular adjective declension, while сияющий is similar but can vary slightly in poetic use.

Note: These adjectives do not change for irregular forms but must agree with the noun they modify. For example, in a sentence like "resplendent stars," it becomes "ослепительные звёзды."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • блестящий (more neutral, emphasizing shine without intensity)
  • пышный (implies luxurious fullness, often in contexts of decoration)
• Antonyms:
  • тусклый (dull or dim, opposite in brightness)
  • мрачный (gloomy or dark, contrasting with splendor)

Related Phrases:

• Ослепительный блеск - Refers to a resplendent shine or gleam, often used in descriptions of light or jewels.
• Сияющий успех - Means a resplendent success, implying radiant achievement in professional or personal contexts.
• Ослепительная улыбка - Describes a resplendent smile, commonly in social or romantic settings.

Usage Notes:

ослепительный is a precise match for "resplendent" in formal English contexts, emphasizing visual intensity, but it can sound overly dramatic in casual speech—opt for сияющий in everyday scenarios. Always ensure the adjective agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies, as Russian requires this for grammatical accuracy. When choosing between translations, use ослепительный for poetic or literary descriptions and сияющий for positive, approachable contexts. Be mindful of cultural nuances where brightness symbolizes positivity in Russian literature.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using the base form "ослепительный" without declension, e.g., saying "ослепительный женщина" instead of "ослепительная женщина." Correct: Always decline the adjective to match the noun's gender (here, feminine). Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree, unlike English, so learners often forget this, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like "ослепляющий" (blinding), which implies temporary blindness. Correct: Use "ослепительный" for sustained splendor. Explanation: The suffix changes the nuance; "ослепляющий" is more active and intense, so context is key to avoid miscommunication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "ослепительный" often appear in literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin) to evoke the grandeur of nature or historical events, reflecting a romantic tradition where brightness symbolizes hope or divine beauty. This can add emotional depth in contexts like describing Russian winters or festive occasions, where resplendence highlights national pride.

Related Concepts:

• блеск (shine or luster)
• роскошь (luxury)
• сияние (radiance)