Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'substantially'

English Word: substantially

Key Russian Translations:

• существенно [IPA: sʊˈʂʲeʂtvʲenʲnə] - [Formal, used in written and professional contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is commonly used in formal writing, news, and academic discussions, but less so in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, according to CEFR; learners at this level should grasp its usage, though mastering nuances requires exposure to formal Russian texts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

существенно: sʊˈʂʲeʂtvʲenʲnə

Note on существенно: The pronunciation features a soft 'ш' sound (ʂʲ), which can be challenging for English speakers; stress falls on the third syllable. Variations may occur in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Main meaning: To a large degree or extent, indicating significant change, difference, or impact.

Translation(s) & Context:

• существенно - Used in formal contexts to describe substantial changes, such as in economics or legal discussions (e.g., in reports or contracts).

Usage Examples:

• Цены на продукты выросли существенно из-за инфляции.

  The prices of products have increased substantially due to inflation.

• Этот проект существенно повлиял на развитие региона.

  This project has substantially influenced the development of the region.

• Её аргументы существенно изменили ход дискуссии.

  Her arguments substantially changed the course of the discussion.

• Инвестиции существенно улучшили инфраструктуру города.

  The investments have substantially improved the city's infrastructure.

• Изменения в законе существенно затронут бизнес-сектор.

  The changes in the law will substantially affect the business sector.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

существенно is an adverb in Russian, which typically does not undergo inflection for gender, number, or case. It remains unchanged in most contexts, making it straightforward for learners. For example:

Note: As an adverb, it does not vary like nouns or adjectives, but ensure correct placement in sentences for emphasis.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • значительно (znachitel'no) - Similar in meaning but often used for quantifiable changes; slightly more neutral in tone.
  • существенно (as primary, with no major variants here).
• Antonyms:
  • незначительно (neznachitel'no) - Indicates a minor or insignificant degree.

Related Phrases:

• существенно повлиять - To have a substantial influence; used in discussions about impacts or effects.
• существенно изменить - To substantially change something; common in contexts like policy or personal development.
• существенно улучшить - To substantially improve; often appears in reports on progress or reforms.

Usage Notes:

существенно is a precise translation for "substantially" in formal English contexts, emphasizing significant quantitative or qualitative changes. It is most appropriate in written Russian, such as academic papers, news articles, or official documents, rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations, opt for существенно over alternatives like значительно if the emphasis is on depth or essence rather than mere size. Be mindful of sentence structure; in Russian, it typically follows the verb for natural flow, e.g., "Цены выросли существенно."

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "значительно": English learners might overuse значительно thinking it's interchangeable, but the incorrect use could be: "Цены выросли значительно" when a more substantial implication is needed. Correct: Use существенно for deeper impact to avoid understating the degree.

• Misplacing in sentences: Beginners often place it at the beginning, e.g., "Существенно цены выросли," which sounds awkward. Correct: "Цены выросли существенно." Explanation: Adverbs like this should follow the verb in standard Russian for clarity and fluency.

Cultural Notes:

While "substantially" itself doesn't carry strong cultural connotations, its Russian equivalent существенно is frequently used in contexts reflecting Russia's emphasis on economic and social transformations, such as in post-Soviet reforms. This highlights a cultural focus on resilience and significant change in narratives about national progress.

Related Concepts:

• изменение (izmeneniye) - Change
• влияние (vliyaniye) - Influence
• улучшение (uluchsheniye) - Improvement