Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'uniformitarianism'

English Word: uniformitarianism

Key Russian Translations:

• униформизм [ʊnʲɪfɐrʲɪˈzʲim] - [Formal; Used in scientific and academic contexts]

Frequency: Low (This term is specialized in geology and scientific discussions, rarely used in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; Requires familiarity with scientific terminology and Russian grammatical structures, suitable for advanced learners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

униформизм: [ʊnʲɪfɐrʲɪˈzʲim]

Note on униформизм: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ri'), which is common in Russian borrowed words. Pay attention to the palatalized 'н' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: The principle that the same natural laws and processes that operate in the present have operated in the past to shape the Earth's features.

Translation(s) & Context:

• униформизм - Used in geological, historical, and scientific contexts to describe this theory, often in formal academic writing or lectures.

Usage Examples:

• Униформизм является основой современной геологии, предполагая, что процессы, происходящие сегодня, объясняют прошлое Земли.

  Uniformitarianism is the foundation of modern geology, assuming that processes occurring today explain the Earth's past.

• В отличие от катастрофизма, униформизм подчеркивает постепенные изменения в истории планеты.

  Unlike catastrophism, uniformitarianism emphasizes gradual changes in the planet's history.

• Геологи часто ссылаются на униформизм, чтобы интерпретировать слои осадочных пород.

  Geologists often refer to uniformitarianism to interpret layers of sedimentary rocks.

• Принцип униформизма помогает объяснить эрозию гор без необходимости в сверхъестественных событиях.

  The principle of uniformitarianism helps explain the erosion of mountains without the need for supernatural events.

• В образовательных курсах униформизм представлен как ключевой концепт для понимания эволюции Земли.

  In educational courses, uniformitarianism is presented as a key concept for understanding the evolution of the Earth.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Униформизм" is a masculine noun (from the neuter or borrowed form) in Russian, and it follows the standard patterns of third-declension nouns. It is relatively stable but can inflect for case and number. Below is a table of its basic inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, but in scientific contexts, it may remain unchanged in compound phrases for emphasis.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: актуализм (more general term for presentism in science, with a subtle emphasis on current applicability)
• Antonyms: катастрофизм (refers to the theory of sudden, catastrophic events shaping the Earth)

Related Phrases:

• принцип униформизма - (Principle of uniformitarianism; Used to refer to the core idea in geological theories.)
• униформистский подход - (Uniformitarian approach; Describes methods based on this principle in scientific analysis.)
• теория униформизма - (Theory of uniformitarianism; A common phrase in academic discussions of Earth's history.)

Usage Notes:

This translation, "униформизм", directly corresponds to the English term in scientific contexts, particularly in geology and earth sciences. It is typically used in formal settings, such as academic papers or lectures, and should be avoided in casual conversation due to its specialized nature. When choosing between translations, "униформизм" is the most precise for this concept, though "актуализм" might be used interchangeably in broader philosophical discussions. Grammatically, ensure it agrees with the case required by the sentence structure, as Russian nouns inflect based on their role. For English speakers, remember that Russian scientific terms often retain a more literal borrowed form, making it easier to map back to the original English word.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "униформизм" with "катастрофизм" and using them interchangeably. Incorrect: "Униформизм объясняет катастрофические события." (This mixes the concepts.) Correct: "Униформизм отрицает катастрофические события в пользу gradualных процессов." (Uniformitarianism denies catastrophic events in favor of gradual processes.) Explanation: These are opposing theories, so accurate usage requires understanding their differences to avoid misrepresenting scientific ideas.

• Error: Failing to inflect the noun correctly in sentences, e.g., using the nominative form in all cases. Incorrect: "О теории униформизм" (Should be genitive). Correct: "О теории униформизма." Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so learners must check the noun's role in the sentence for proper inflection.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian scientific culture, "униформизм" is tied to the history of geology, influenced by 19th-century thinkers like James Hutton. It reflects a rational, evidence-based approach in Russian academia, contrasting with more mystical or catastrophic interpretations in folklore. This term underscores Russia's emphasis on empirical science in education, especially in fields like paleontology and environmental studies.

Related Concepts:

• катастрофизм
• геология
• эволюция