Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The capital city of the Russian Federation: "Russian capital" is a term referring to the primary city that serves as the seat of government and administrative center of Russia. Since 1991, this has been Moscow.

Usage

• The term "Russian capital" is used to identify the political and administrative heart of Russia. It is a formal or descriptive term, often used in historical, political, or geographical contexts to discuss the city's role, especially in contrast to previous capitals like Saint Petersburg.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Russian capital has been a major political and cultural center for centuries.
  • Diplomats from around the world gathered in the Russian capital for the summit.
  • After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Russian capital remained Moscow.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Reference: The term can be used when discussing the city's changing status through history, particularly its role as the capital of the Soviet Union and Soviet Russia before 1991.
  • Throughout the 20th century, the Russian capital was the epicenter of Soviet power.

Variants and Related Words

• Moscow (n): The specific name of the city that is the Russian capital.
  • Moscow is famous for the Kremlin and Red Square.
• Capital city (n): A general term for a city that is the seat of government.
  • Every country has a capital city.

Synonyms

• Moscow: The primary and most specific synonym.
• Seat of government: A more general term for the city where a government is based.

Notes on Meaning

• The definition specifically refers to the city's status from 1991 onward as the capital of the Russian Federation. Its historical status as the capital of the Soviet Union and Soviet Russia is a key part of its identity but is contextually secondary to its current role. The term itself is a descriptive compound noun pointing to this specific city.

Noun

1. a city of central European Russia; formerly capital of both the Soviet Union and Soviet Russia; since 1991 the capital of the Russian Federation