Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'abominate'

English Word: abominate

Key Russian Translations:

• ненавидеть [nʲɪnɐˈvʲidʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, used for intense hatred or strong aversion]
• презирать [prʲɪˈzʲirɐtʲ] - [Formal, implies contempt and disdain, often in moral contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This verb is commonly encountered in literature, discussions, and everyday speech when expressing strong emotions, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "любить".)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugation and nuanced emotional vocabulary. For 'ненавидеть', it's B2; for 'презирать', it's also B2 due to its formal tone.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

ненавидеть: [nʲɪnɐˈvʲidʲɪtʲ]

презирать: [prʲɪˈzʲirɐtʲ]

Note on ненавидеть: The stress falls on the third syllable ("vʲidʲ"), which can be tricky for learners as Russian stress is not always intuitive. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Note on презирать: Pay attention to the soft 'р' sound, which is a common challenge for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To feel intense dislike, hatred, or disgust towards someone or something.

Translation(s) & Context:

• 'ненавидеть' is used in contexts of deep emotional aversion, such as moral outrage or personal enmity (e.g., in formal writing or serious conversations).
• 'презирать' is suitable for situations involving contempt, often towards ideas, people, or actions deemed inferior (e.g., in philosophical or social discussions).

Usage Examples:

• Я ненавижу несправедливость в обществе, потому что она разрушает доверие.

  I abominate injustice in society because it destroys trust. (This example shows the verb in a present tense, first person context, emphasizing moral disgust.)

• Он презирает тех, кто лжет без причины, и всегда высказывает своё мнение открыто.

  He abominates those who lie without reason and always expresses his opinion openly. (Here, it illustrates use in a habitual action, third person, with a focus on contempt.)

• Мы ненавидим насилие, но иногда вынуждены противостоять ему.

  We abominate violence, but sometimes we are forced to stand against it. (This demonstrates plural subject usage in a conditional or reflective context.)

• Презирать коррупцию – это первый шаг к её искоренению в нашей стране.

  To abominate corruption is the first step to eradicating it in our country. (Example of infinitive form in an abstract, motivational sentence.)

• Она ненавидит холодную погоду и всегда выбирает тёплые места для отпуска.

  She abominates cold weather and always chooses warm places for vacation. (This shows everyday, personal context with the verb in third person singular.)

To regard something as detestable or morally wrong.

Translation(s) & Context:

• 'ненавидеть' in ethical or social contexts, where the aversion is profound and personal.
• 'презирать' when the detestation involves a sense of superiority or intellectual dismissal.

Usage Examples:

• В истории часто ненавидели тиранов, но их действия оставляли неизгладимый след.

  In history, people often abominated tyrants, but their actions left an indelible mark. (Historical context, past tense usage.)

• Презирать предательство – это естественная реакция для тех, кто ценит лояльность.

  To abominate betrayal is a natural reaction for those who value loyalty. (Abstract, infinitive form in a general statement.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'ненавидеть' and 'презирать' are first conjugation verbs in Russian, which means they follow regular patterns but have irregularities in some forms. They are imperfective verbs, often used with aspects to indicate completion.

For 'ненавидеть' (to hate):

Note: The verb is irregular in its perfective aspect ('возненавидеть' for completed action).

For 'презирать' (to despise):

These verbs do not change based on gender in the infinitive form but do in the past tense.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Отвращать (to repel or disgust) – More physical aversion, less emotional.
  • Гнушаться (to loathe) – Used for moral disgust, often interchangeable with 'ненавидеть' in formal contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • Любить (to love)
  • Восхищаться (to admire)

Related Phrases:

• Ненавидеть всем сердцем – With all one's heart; used to emphasize intense hatred in emotional declarations.
• Презирать до глубины души – To despise to the depths of one's soul; implies profound contempt in interpersonal conflicts.
• Ненависть к врагам – Hatred towards enemies; a common phrase in historical or literary contexts.

Usage Notes:

'Ненавидеть' and 'презирать' are strong verbs that correspond closely to 'abominate' in English, but they carry a more emotional weight in Russian culture. Use 'ненавидеть' for personal, visceral hatred, and 'презирать' for intellectual or moral disdain. Both are formal; in informal speech, opt for simpler alternatives like 'не любить' if the intensity is lower. Always consider the aspect (imperfective for ongoing feelings) and pair with objects in the accusative case, e.g., "ненавидеть что-то" (to abominate something).

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Confusing the conjugation, e.g., saying "Я ненавидет" instead of "Я ненавижу". Correct: Use the proper present tense form. Explanation: Russian verbs require agreement with subject person and number; this error stems from English's simpler verb system.
• Mistake: Using 'ненавидеть' in overly casual contexts, like everyday complaints. Correct: Reserve it for strong emotions; for minor dislikes, use 'не нравится'. Explanation: Overuse can sound melodramatic, as Russian speakers prefer nuanced vocabulary based on context.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'ненавидеть' often appear in literature and historical contexts, reflecting themes of suffering and resilience, as seen in works by Dostoevsky. They carry a deep emotional connotation tied to Russia's history of turmoil, where expressions of hatred are linked to moral struggles rather than casual disdain.

Related Concepts:

• Гнев (anger)
• Ненависть (hatred)
• Презрение (contempt)