Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'abstentious'

English Word: abstentious

Key Russian Translations:

• воздержанный (/vɐzˈdrʲeʐən:ɨj/) - [Formal, Adjective, Used in contexts of self-restraint or moderation]

Frequency: Low (This word and its equivalents are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; more prevalent in formal or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; requires understanding of adjective inflections and nuanced vocabulary, as per CEFR standards.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

воздержанный: /vɐzˈdrʲeʐən:ɨj/

Note on воздержанный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("drʲeʐ"). Be cautious with the palatalized 'r' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may soften the 'zh' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Moderate or self-restrained, especially in eating, drinking, or pleasures (similar to "abstemious").

Translation(s) & Context:

• воздержанный - Used in formal descriptions of someone who practices self-control, such as in health or moral contexts (e.g., in literature or psychological discussions).

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда был воздержанным в еде, предпочитая овощи и фрукты.

  He was always abstemious in his eating, preferring vegetables and fruits.

• В её образе жизни заметна воздержанная манера, что помогает поддерживать здоровье.

  In her lifestyle, an abstemious manner is evident, which helps maintain health.

• Воздержанный подход к развлечениям сделал его более сосредоточенным на работе.

  An abstemious approach to entertainment made him more focused on work.

• Несмотря на праздник, она осталась воздержанной, выбирая только лёгкие закуски.

  Despite the celebration, she remained abstemious, opting for only light snacks.

• В монастыре монахи ведут воздержанный образ жизни, избегая излишеств.

  In the monastery, monks lead an abstemious lifestyle, avoiding excesses.

Meaning 2: If "abstentious" implies a broader sense of restraint (e.g., in emotions or actions), it could align with related nuances.

Translation(s) & Context:

• воздержанный - In emotional or behavioral contexts, implying self-discipline (e.g., in philosophical or self-help scenarios).

Usage Examples:

• Его воздержанный характер помог избежать конфликтов в команде.

  His abstemious character helped avoid conflicts in the team.

• Воздержанный в словах, он редко высказывал своё мнение публично.

  Abstemious in words, he rarely expressed his opinion publicly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"воздержанный" is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard adjective declension patterns. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. There are no irregular forms, but it changes based on context.

Note: This adjective does not change in short form, but in modern usage, the full form is preferred.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • умеренный (umerennyy) - More general, implying moderation without strong restraint.
  • сдержанный (sderzhannyy) - Focuses on emotional restraint.
• Antonyms:
  • расточительный (rastachitel'nyy) - Implies wasteful or extravagant behavior.
  • невоздержанный (nevozderzhannyy) - Directly opposite, meaning unrestrained.

Related Phrases:

• вести воздержанный образ жизни - To lead an abstemious lifestyle (used for describing healthy or ascetic living).
• воздержанный в питании - Abstemious in eating (common in health-related contexts).
• принимать воздержанные меры - To take abstemious measures (implies cautious or moderate actions in decision-making).

Usage Notes:

• The Russian equivalent "воздержанный" closely matches the English "abstemious" in meaning, but it's more formal and often used in written or philosophical contexts rather than casual speech.
• Be mindful of gender and case agreements when using it as an adjective; for example, it must match the noun it describes.
• In everyday Russian, synonyms like "сдержанный" might be preferred for emotional restraint, while "воздержанный" is ideal for physical moderation.
• When translating from English, consider the context: if "abstentious" refers to dietary habits, stick with "воздержанный"; for broader restraint, alternatives may fit better.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "воздержанный" without proper inflection, e.g., saying "воздержанный женщина" instead of "воздержанная женщина".
  Correct: Ensure agreement in gender and case. Explanation: Russian adjectives must always agree with their nouns, unlike in English.
• Error: Confusing it with "воздерживаться" (a verb meaning to abstain), e.g., using it as a verb form.
  Correct: "воздержанный" is an adjective; use "воздерживаться" for actions. Explanation: This mix-up can lead to grammatical errors in sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of "воздержанный" often ties to historical and religious traditions, such as Orthodox fasting periods (e.g., during Lent), where moderation in food and pleasures is emphasized. This reflects a broader cultural value of self-discipline, influenced by Slavic heritage and Eastern Orthodox Christianity, making it more than just a word—it's a principle in personal and communal life.

Related Concepts:

• сдержанность (sderzhannost') - Restraint or self-control.
• аскетизм (asketizm) - Asceticism, a related philosophical idea.
• умеренность (umerennost') - Moderation in general.