Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'verisimilitude'

English Word: verisimilitude

Key Russian Translations:

• правдоподобие (/prəvdəpədɐˈbʲije/) - [Formal, used in literary, philosophical, or artistic contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation; it appears primarily in academic, literary, or specialized discussions.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1 level, suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian grammar and vocabulary, as it involves abstract concepts and formal language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

правдоподобие: /prəvdəpədɐˈbʲije/

Note on правдоподобие: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-до-), which can be tricky for non-native speakers. The 'п' is pronounced as a soft 'p' sound, and the word has a flowing rhythm typical of Russian abstract nouns.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The quality of appearing true or real, especially in literature, art, or narratives.

Translation(s) & Context:

• правдоподобие - Used in formal contexts to describe realism or authenticity in storytelling, such as in novels, films, or historical accounts.

Usage Examples:

• В романе автор добивается большого правдоподобия, описывая повседневную жизнь персонажей.

  In the novel, the author achieves great verisimilitude by describing the characters' everyday lives.

• Фильм использует мелкие детали для создания правдоподобия, делая историю более убедительной.

  The film uses minor details to create verisimilitude, making the story more convincing.

• Правдоподобие в искусстве помогает зрителям эмоционально связаться с сюжетом.

  Verisimilitude in art helps viewers emotionally connect with the plot.

• Без правдоподобия исторический роман может показаться искусственным и неубедительным.

  Without verisimilitude, a historical novel can seem artificial and unconvincing.

• Авторы фантастики часто балансируют между правдоподобием и вымышленными элементами.

  Science fiction authors often balance verisimilitude with fictional elements.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Правдоподобие" is a neuter noun in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows regular patterns for neuter nouns ending in -ие, with changes primarily in cases and numbers. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: The plural forms are less common, as this word is often used in singular to denote an abstract quality. It does not change for gender since it is neuter.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • достоверность (dostovernost' - emphasizes reliability and factual accuracy, often in journalism)
  • реализм (realism - focuses on lifelike representation in art or literature)
• Antonyms:
  • неправдоподобие (nepravdopodobie - the opposite, meaning implausibility or lack of realism)
  • фантастика (fantastika - used for exaggerated or unreal elements, though not a direct antonym)

Related Phrases:

• художественное правдоподобие (khudozhestvennoe pravdopodobie) - Artistic verisimilitude; refers to realism in creative works.
• правдоподобие в повествовании (pravdopodobie v povestvovanii) - Verisimilitude in narration; commonly used in literary analysis to discuss believable storytelling.
• создать правдоподобие (sozdat' pravdopodobie) - To create verisimilitude; a phrase for building realism in writing or film.

Usage Notes:

This translation, "правдоподобие," directly corresponds to the English "verisimilitude" in its emphasis on perceived truthfulness, particularly in artistic or narrative contexts. It is typically restricted to formal or academic language, so avoid using it in casual conversations. When choosing among synonyms like "достоверность," opt for "правдоподобие" when the focus is on appearance rather than factual accuracy. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun, so ensure correct agreement in gender, number, and case. For example, in sentences, it often pairs with verbs like "добиваться" (to achieve) or "создавать" (to create) to describe efforts in storytelling.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "правдоподобие" with "вероятность" (veroyatnost', meaning probability): Learners might misuse it to mean statistical likelihood. Incorrect: "Эта теория имеет правдоподобие в науке" (implying probability). Correct: "Эта теория обладает правдоподобием в повествовании" (emphasizing narrative realism). Explanation: "Правдоподобие" is about perceived truth, not chance, so context matters.

• Improper declension: Non-native speakers often forget case changes, e.g., using nominative "правдоподобие" in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Без правдоподобие" (should be genitive "правдоподобия"). Correct: "Без правдоподобия". Explanation: Always check the sentence structure to apply the right case for grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "правдоподобие" holds significant importance in literature and film, influenced by the realist traditions of 19th-century authors like Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. It reflects a cultural value for authenticity and depth in storytelling, where even fictional works strive for lifelike detail to critique society or explore human nature. This concept is often discussed in Russian literary criticism, highlighting how realism contrasts with the more fantastical elements in folklore or Soviet-era propaganda.

Related Concepts:

• реализм (realism)
• достоверность (authenticity)
• фантастика (fantasy)