Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'vagueness'

English Word: vagueness

Key Russian Translations:

• неопределенность [nʲɪɐp.rʲɪ.dʲɪ.lʲɪn.nəs.tʲ] - [Formal, Abstract contexts]
• неясность [nʲɪ.ˈjas.nəs.tʲ] - [Informal, Everyday speech]
• смутность [smu.t.nəs.tʲ] - [Literary, Poetic usage]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic and philosophical discussions, but not in casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and basic inflections; for 'неопределенность', it may lean towards B2, while 'неясность' is more A2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

неопределенность: [nʲɪɐp.rʲɪ.dʲɪ.lʲɪn.nəs.tʲ]

Note on неопределенность: This word has stress on the fourth syllable ('dʲɪ.lʲɪn'), which can be tricky for learners due to its length; common mispronunciation involves shifting stress earlier.

Audio: []

неясность: [nʲɪ.ˈjas.nəs.tʲ]

Note on неясность: Stress is on the second syllable ('jas'), making it simpler; variations in regional accents may soften the 's' sound.

Audio: []

смутность: [smu.t.nəs.tʲ]

Note on смутность: Stress on the first syllable ('smu'); often used in expressive contexts, with potential for vowel reduction in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being vague, unclear, or lacking precision in meaning or definition.

Translation(s) & Context:

• неопределенность - Used in formal settings like philosophy, science, or legal discussions to denote conceptual ambiguity.
• неясность - Applied in everyday informal contexts, such as describing unclear instructions or vague plans.
• смутность - Employed in literary or emotional contexts, often implying a hazy or dreamlike quality.

Usage Examples:

• Эта теория полна неопределенности, что затрудняет её применение на практике.

  This theory is full of vagueness, which makes its practical application difficult.

• В его объяснении была некоторая неясность, из-за которой мы не поняли инструкции.

  There was some vagueness in his explanation, which meant we didn't understand the instructions.

• Смутность воспоминаний о детстве часто вызывает ностальгию.

  The vagueness of childhood memories often evokes nostalgia.

• Неопределенность будущего беспокоит многих людей в нестабильные времена.

  The vagueness of the future worries many people in unstable times.

• Из-за неясности контракта возникли споры между партнёрами.

  Due to the vagueness of the contract, disputes arose between the partners.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

These translations are primarily feminine nouns in Russian, which follow standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. 'Неопределенность' and 'неясность' are regular, while 'смутность' is also regular but less common in varied forms.

These nouns do not have irregular inflections, but they change based on case and number as shown. In plural forms, they are less frequently used due to their abstract nature.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • неясность (similar to vagueness but more neutral)
  • двусмысленность (implies ambiguity with multiple meanings)
  • нечеткость (focuses on lack of clarity in details)
• Antonyms:
  • ясность (clearness, direct opposite)
  • определенность (definiteness, precise counterpart)

Related Phrases:

• В состоянии неопределенности - In a state of vagueness; often used to describe uncertainty in decision-making.
• Полная смутность идей - Complete vagueness of ideas; common in creative or philosophical contexts.
• Неясность в формулировках - Vagueness in formulations; typically in legal or technical discussions.

Usage Notes:

'Vagueness' corresponds most closely to 'неопределенность' in formal English-Russian translations, but 'неясность' is preferred in everyday speech for its simplicity. Be mindful of context: use 'смутность' for emotional or artistic expressions. Grammatically, these nouns require appropriate case agreement with prepositions (e.g., 'о неопределенности' for 'about vagueness'). When choosing among translations, opt for 'неопределенность' in academic settings and 'неясность' in casual ones to match register.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'неопределённость' instead of 'неопределенность' (missing the correct spelling with 'е' not 'ё'). Correct: 'неопределенность'. This is a common typing error for English speakers unfamiliar with Russian orthography.

• Error: Failing to decline the noun properly, e.g., saying 'о неопределенность' instead of 'о неопределенности'. Correct: Always adjust for genitive case after prepositions like 'о'. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, which can confuse learners from non-inflected languages.

• Error: Confusing with similar words like 'непонятность' (unintelligibility). Correct: Use 'неопределенность' for abstract vagueness, not incomprehensibility. Explanation: These words overlap but 'непонятность' implies something harder to understand, not just unclear.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like 'неопределенность' often appear in literature and philosophy, such as in the works of Dostoevsky, where vagueness reflects existential uncertainty. This mirrors Russia's historical context of rapid changes, making these words resonate with themes of ambiguity in personal and national identity.

Related Concepts:

• амбивалентность (ambivalence)
• двусмысленность (ambiguity)
• нестабильность (instability)