Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'sinuous'

English Word: sinuous

Key Russian Translations:

• Извилистый (/ɪzˈvɪlʲɪstɨj/) - [Formal, used for describing natural or physical curves]
• Змеевидный (/zmʲɪˈɛvʲɪdnɨj/) - [Informal, often metaphorical, e.g., for shapes resembling a snake]

Frequency: Medium (This adjective is commonly encountered in descriptive literature and geography, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective inflections, as per CEFR. For 'Извилистый', it's B2; for 'Змеевидный', it's also B2 due to similar grammatical rules.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Извилистый: /ɪzˈvɪlʲɪstɨj/ (Stress on the second syllable; the 'лʲ' sound is a soft 'l', which can be challenging for English speakers.)

Змеевидный: /zmʲɪˈɛvʲɪdnɨj/ (Stress on the third syllable; note the soft 'мʲ' and 'вʲ' sounds, common in Russian but absent in English.)

Note on Извилистый: The ending '-ый' can vary in pronunciation based on regional accents, but standard Russian uses a clear /ɨj/ sound. Pay attention to the palatalized consonants for accurate articulation.

Note on Змеевидный: This word often has a more emphatic pronunciation in poetic or descriptive contexts, with a slight elongation of vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Having many curves, bends, or turns, often describing paths, rivers, or shapes.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Извилистый - Used in formal or literary contexts for natural features like rivers or roads; implies a graceful, winding quality.
• Змеевидный - Applied in informal or metaphorical scenarios, such as describing abstract art or animal movements; suggests a serpentine form.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Река была извилистой, петляя между холмами.

  English: The river was sinuous, winding between the hills.

• Русский: Извилистые тропы в горах требуют осторожности.

  English: The sinuous paths in the mountains require caution.

• Русский: Змеевидный узор на ткани придавал ей экзотический вид.

  English: The sinuous pattern on the fabric gave it an exotic look.

• Русский: Ветер создал извилистые формы в песке пустыни.

  English: The wind created sinuous shapes in the desert sand.

• Русский: Её змеевидные движения танца завораживали зрителей.

  English: Her sinuous dance movements captivated the audience.

Meaning 2: Figuratively, describing something flexible or indirect, like a path of thought.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Извилистый - In metaphorical contexts, such as philosophy or narratives; emphasizes complexity without negative connotation.
• Змеевидный - Less common here, but used for deceptive or evasive elements, e.g., in psychology.

Usage Examples:

• Русский: Его аргументы были извилистыми, но убедительными.

  English: His arguments were sinuous but convincing.

• Русский: Змеевидный путь переговоров привел к неожиданному исходу.

  English: The sinuous path of negotiations led to an unexpected outcome.

• Русский: Извилистый сюжет романа держал читателя в напряжении.

  English: The sinuous plot of the novel kept the reader in suspense.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Извилистый' and 'Змеевидный' are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and follow standard patterns for hard-stem adjectives.

Note: These adjectives are regular and follow the standard pattern. They do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward once the basic rules are learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Криволинейный (with a more geometric connotation)
  • Скрученный (implying twisting or coiling)
• Antonyms:
  • Прямой (straight, direct)
  • Прямолинейный (straightforward, linear)

Brief note: 'Криволинейный' is often used in technical contexts, while 'Скрученный' might imply a more tangled form.

Related Phrases:

• Извилистая река - A winding river; used to describe geographical features in travel writing.
• Змеевидные линии - Serpentine lines; common in art or design discussions.
• Извилистый путь судьбы - The sinuous path of fate; a metaphorical phrase in literature or philosophy.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, 'Извилистый' directly corresponds to the English 'sinuous' in descriptive contexts and is preferred for natural phenomena, while 'Змеевидный' adds a connotation of something snake-like, which might not always align with the neutral English usage. Be mindful of gender agreement when using these adjectives—e.g., pair 'Извилистый' with masculine nouns. In formal writing, opt for 'Извилистый' over 'Змеевидный' to avoid unintended metaphorical implications. Grammar tip: Always inflect based on the noun's case to maintain sentence flow.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Извилистый' without proper inflection, e.g., saying "Извилистый река" (incorrect; should be "Извилистая река" for feminine noun).

  Correct: Извилистая река. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify; this is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to invariable adjectives.

• Error: Confusing 'Змеевидный' with 'Извилистый' in neutral contexts, e.g., describing a road as 'Змеевидный', which implies deception.

  Correct: Use 'Извилистый' for roads. Explanation: 'Змеевидный' carries a more vivid, potentially negative undertone, so choose based on context to avoid miscommunication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian literature, such as in the works of Tolstoy or Chekhov, 'извилистый' often symbolizes the complexity of life's journeys, reflecting Russia's vast, winding landscapes. This can evoke a sense of romanticism or introspection, differing from English usage which is more straightforwardly descriptive.

Related Concepts:

• Кривая (curve)
• Склон (slope)
• Лабиринт (labyrinth)