Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'usefulness'

English Word: usefulness

Key Russian Translations:

• Полезность /pɐˈlʲeznəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Abstract noun]
• Пригодность /prʲɪˈgɔtnəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal, Contextual, Used when emphasizing suitability]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, professional, and everyday discussions, but not as frequent as basic nouns like "дом" (house)).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of noun declensions and abstract concepts. For "Полезность", it's B1; for "Пригодность", it's also B1 due to similar grammatical patterns.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Полезность: /pɐˈlʲeznəsʲtʲ/

Note on Полезность: The stress is on the third syllable (/ˈlʲeznəsʲtʲ/), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'l' sound. Pronounce it with a soft 'l' as in "luxury".

Пригодность: /prʲɪˈgɔtnəsʲtʲ/

Note on Пригодность: The initial 'prʲ' involves a palatalized 'r', which is softer than in English; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being useful or beneficial, often in practical or theoretical contexts.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Полезность - Used in formal discussions, such as in science or philosophy, to describe the inherent value or practicality of something.
• Пригодность - Applied in situational contexts, like evaluating tools or methods for specific purposes.

Usage Examples:

• В науке полезность эксперимента оценивается по его результатам.

  In science, the usefulness of an experiment is evaluated based on its results.

• Пригодность этого устройства для повседневного использования делает его популярным.

  The suitability (usefulness) of this device for everyday use makes it popular.

• Мы обсуждаем полезность новых технологий в улучшении качества жизни.

  We are discussing the usefulness of new technologies in improving quality of life.

• В бизнесе пригодность стратегии зависит от рыночных условий.

  In business, the usefulness of a strategy depends on market conditions.

• Полезность образования неоспорима, но оно должно быть доступным для всех.

  The usefulness of education is undeniable, but it should be accessible to everyone.

Abstract or metaphorical sense, e.g., in evaluating ideas or objects.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Полезность - In metaphorical contexts, such as personal development or ethics.

Usage Examples:

• Полезность хороших привычек проявляется в долгосрочной перспективе.

  The usefulness of good habits shows in the long-term perspective.

• Пригодность совета зависит от ситуации, в которой он дается.

  The usefulness of advice depends on the situation in which it is given.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Полезность" and "Пригодность" are feminine nouns (3rd declension in Russian), which means they undergo case, number, and gender changes. They are abstract nouns and do not have irregular forms.

Note: These nouns do not change in the plural as frequently as concrete nouns, but the above table covers standard usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Выгода (/vɨˈgɔdə/) - More focused on advantage or profit.
  • Преимущество (/prʲɪˈimʊʂʲestvə/) - Emphasizes benefits in comparison.
• Antonyms:
  • Бесполезность (/bʲɪsˈpɐlʲeznəsʲtʲ/) - Directly opposite, meaning uselessness.
  • Вредность (/vrʲɛd nəsʲtʲ/) - Implies harmfulness, a stronger negative connotation.

Related Phrases:

• Практическая полезность - Practical usefulness; used in contexts like engineering or daily problem-solving.
• Общая полезность - General usefulness; refers to broad applicability, e.g., in policy discussions.
• Потенциальная пригодность - Potential usefulness; highlights future benefits in planning scenarios.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Полезность" directly corresponds to the English "usefulness" in abstract senses, such as evaluating ideas or objects, and is preferred in formal writing. "Пригодность" is more situational, akin to "suitability" or "fitness for purpose," and is chosen when context involves specific applications. Always consider the grammatical case for agreement with other words in the sentence. For English learners, note that Russian nouns like these require declension based on their role in the sentence, which has no direct equivalent in English. When deciding between translations, use "Полезность" for inherent value and "Пригодность" for conditional utility.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Полезность" interchangeably with "Пригодность" without considering context. For example, an English speaker might say "Полезность инструмента" when "Пригодность инструмента" is more accurate if discussing its specific fit for a task.

  Correct: Пригодность инструмента для работы (The usefulness of the tool for the job).

  Explanation: This confusion arises from overlapping meanings, but "Пригодность" implies adaptability, while "Полезность" is more general.

• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences, e.g., saying "Я думаю о полезность" instead of "Я думаю о полезности" (I think about usefulness).

  Correct: Я думаю о полезности проекта (I think about the usefulness of the project).

  Explanation: Russian requires the genitive case after prepositions like "о," so learners must adjust for case endings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like "полезность" often tie into a pragmatic worldview, influenced by historical emphasis on functionality in Soviet-era engineering and daily life. For instance, during the USSR, the "usefulness" of inventions was prioritized over aesthetics, reflecting a cultural value on practicality that persists today in education and work ethics.

Related Concepts:

• Эффективность (Efficiency)
• Преимущества (Advantages)
• Влияние (Influence)