Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'superlative'

English Word: superlative

Key Russian Translations:

• превосходная степень [prʲɪvɐˈsʲoxdənə stʲɪˈpʲenʲ] - [Formal, Grammatical Term]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly used in linguistic and educational contexts but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian grammar and vocabulary related to linguistics, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

превосходная степень: [prʲɪvɐˈsʲoxdənə stʲɪˈpʲenʲ]

Note on превосходная степень: The stress falls on the third syllable of "превосходная" ([sʲoxdənə]), which can be tricky for learners due to the palatalized consonants. Pronounce it slowly to master the rolling 'r' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The highest degree of comparison in adjectives or adverbs (grammatical term)

Translation(s) & Context:

• превосходная степень - Used in formal linguistic discussions, such as in grammar textbooks or language classes, to describe the form that expresses the ultimate degree of a quality.

Usage Examples:

• В английском языке превосходная степень часто образуется путём добавления суффикса -est, например, в слове "biggest".

  In English, the superlative degree is often formed by adding the suffix -est, for example, in the word "biggest".

• Чтобы выразить превосходную степень в русском, мы используем слова вроде "самый" перед прилагательным, как в "самый красивый".

  To express the superlative degree in Russian, we use words like "самый" before the adjective, as in "the most beautiful".

• Изучая превосходную степень, студенты часто сравнивают её с сравнительной степенью в предложениях.

  When studying the superlative degree, students often compare it to the comparative degree in sentences.

• В предложении "Mount Everest is the highest mountain", "highest" является превосходной степенью.

  In the sentence "Mount Everest is the highest mountain", "highest" is the superlative degree.

• Превосходная степень подчёркивает абсолютное превосходство, как в фразе "Это самый интересный фильм, который я видел".

  The superlative degree emphasizes absolute superiority, as in the phrase "This is the most interesting film I've seen".

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Превосходная степень" is a noun phrase where "превосходная" is an adjective and "степень" is a feminine noun. It follows standard Russian inflection patterns:

• Adjective Inflection (превосходная): As a feminine singular adjective in the nominative case, it inflects based on gender, number, and case. For example:

Note: This phrase does not have irregular inflections, but always ensure agreement between the adjective and noun in gender, number, and case.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • высшая степень (higher degree; used interchangeably in some contexts but less specific to grammar)
  • суперлатива (a direct borrowing, less common and more technical)
• Antonyms:
  • сравнительная степень (comparative degree; represents a lesser degree of comparison)

Related Phrases:

• образование превосходной степени (formation of the superlative degree) - Refers to how superlatives are created in a language.
• самый + прилагательное (e.g., самый большой) - A common way to form superlatives in Russian; used in everyday superlative expressions.
• превосходная форма глагола (superlative form of a verb) - Though less common, it relates to advanced grammatical structures.

Usage Notes:

When translating "superlative" as "превосходная степень", remember that this is primarily a formal grammatical term in Russian, often used in educational or academic settings. It directly corresponds to the English concept but may not be as frequently used in casual speech. Choose this translation when discussing language structure; for everyday comparisons, Russians might use constructions like "самый [adjective]". Be mindful of case agreement in sentences, as Russian requires adjectives to inflect with their nouns.

• In formal writing, pair it with other grammatical terms for clarity.
• If the context is non-grammatical (e.g., "superlative" meaning excellent), consider alternatives like "исключительный" or "выдающийся".

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse "превосходная степень" with "сравнительная степень" due to similar structures. For example:

• Error: Using "превосходная степень" for comparative forms, e.g., saying "более большой" as a superlative.
• Correct Usage: "Превосходная степень" should only be for the highest degree, as in "самый большой". Explanation: The comparative is "более большой", while superlative is absolute.
• Another Error: Forgetting case inflection, e.g., using "превосходная степень" in the wrong case in a sentence like "Обсуждение превосходная степень" (incorrect).
• Correct Usage: "Обсуждение превосходной степени" (genitive case). Always check for agreement to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian linguistic education, "превосходная степень" reflects the structured approach to grammar in the Russian school system, which emphasizes precise comparisons in literature and poetry. This term is often discussed in the context of classical Russian authors like Pushkin, who used superlatives to evoke grandeur, highlighting Russia's cultural appreciation for expressive language.

Related Concepts:

• сравнительная степень
• положительная степень
• грамматические формы