Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'superannuated'

English Word: superannuated

Key Russian Translations:

• устаревший /ustɐˈrʲefʂɨj/ - [Formal; used for objects, ideas, or systems that are outdated or obsolete]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in formal writing, discussions on technology, and history, but not in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjective inflections and vocabulary related to time and obsolescence)

Pronunciation (Russian):

устаревший: /ustɐˈrʲefʂɨj/

Note on устаревший: The stress falls on the third syllable ("rʲef"), and the "щ" sound (as in /ʂ/) is a soft, retroflex fricative that may be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a clear separation between syllables.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Outdated, obsolete, or no longer in use (referring to things that are old and surpassed by modern equivalents)

Translation(s) & Context:

• устаревший - Used in formal contexts like technology, literature, or historical discussions to describe something that is no longer effective or relevant.

Usage Examples:

• Эта технология устаревшая и не соответствует современным стандартам.

  This technology is superannuated and does not meet modern standards.

• В музее выставлены устаревшие модели автомобилей из 1920-х годов.

  In the museum, there are superannuated car models from the 1920s on display.

• Устаревший подход к образованию может тормозить прогресс общества.

  A superannuated approach to education can hinder societal progress.

• Многие устаревшие законы всё ещё действуют, несмотря на изменения в мире.

  Many superannuated laws are still in effect, despite changes in the world.

• Его устаревшие взгляды на искусство вызывают споры среди молодых критиков.

  His superannuated views on art spark debates among young critics.

2. Retired or aged, especially in a professional context (less common, but can imply someone past their prime)

Translation(s) & Context:

• устаревший - Occasionally used metaphorically for people, but more commonly for objects; in personal contexts, "пожилой" (aged) might be paired for nuance.

Usage Examples:

• Этот профессор устаревший в своих методах преподавания, но всё ещё уважаем.

  This professor is superannuated in his teaching methods but still respected.

• Устаревшие сотрудники иногда делятся ценным опытом с молодыми коллегами.

  Superannuated employees sometimes share valuable experience with younger colleagues.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Устаревший" is an adjective in Russian, which means it inflects for gender, number, and case. It follows the standard first-declension pattern for adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward, but always ensure agreement with the noun it modifies.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • старый (staryy) - More general for "old," but can imply wear and tear; often used in everyday contexts.
  • устарелый (ustareluy) - Similar to устаревший, but slightly more emphatic on complete obsolescence.
• Antonyms:
  • современный (sovremennyy) - Modern or up-to-date.
  • новый (novyy) - New or recent.

Related Phrases:

• устаревшая технология - Outdated technology; commonly used in discussions about innovation and upgrades.
• устаревшие идеи - Superannuated ideas; refers to outdated concepts in philosophy or politics.
• устаревший стиль - Obsolete style; often in fashion or design contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Устаревший" directly corresponds to the English "superannuated" in the sense of something being outdated, but it is more commonly used for inanimate objects rather than people. In formal Russian, it's ideal for academic or professional writing. Be cautious with gender and case agreement, as Russian adjectives must match the noun they describe. If referring to a person, consider alternatives like "пожилой" for a softer tone. When choosing between translations, use "устаревший" for emphasis on obsolescence over mere age.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "устаревший" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "устаревший книга" instead of "устаревшая книга" (for feminine nouns).

  Correct: устаревшая книга. Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun; this mistake often stems from English's lack of such agreements.

• Error: Confusing it with "старый," leading to overuse in personal contexts, e.g., "Он устаревший человек" when "Он пожилой человек" is more appropriate.

  Correct: Он пожилой человек. Explanation: "Устаревший" implies functional obsolescence, not just age, so it's better for objects; using it for people can sound overly harsh or incorrect in social contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "устаревший" often reflect a broader societal emphasis on progress and innovation, especially post-Soviet era. For instance, during rapid technological changes in Russia, this word is frequently used in media to critique lingering Soviet-era systems, highlighting a cultural narrative of moving forward from the past.

Related Concepts:

• модернизация (modernizatsiya)
• прогресс (progress)
• архаичный (arkhaichnyy)