Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Acrimony'

English Word: Acrimony

Key Russian Translations:

• озлобление [ozloblˈenije] - [Formal, Neutral]
• горечь [ˈgorʲet͡ɕ] - [Neutral, Often Emotional]
• язвительность [jazvˈitʲelnəstʲ] - [Formal, Sarcastic Tone]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "озлобление" and "горечь"; C1 (Advanced) for "язвительность"

Pronunciation (Russian):

озлобление: [ozloblˈenije]

Note on озлобление: Stress falls on the third syllable; the "о" sounds are pronounced clearly.

горечь: [ˈgorʲet͡ɕ]

Note on горечь: Stress on the first syllable; the soft "р" requires a palatalized pronunciation.

язвительность: [jazvˈitʲelnəstʲ]

Note on язвительность: Stress on the second syllable; note the soft consonants.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Bitterness or Resentment in Speech or Behavior

Translation(s) & Context:

• озлобление - Used to describe deep-seated resentment or bitterness, often in personal or social contexts.
• горечь - Refers to emotional bitterness, often tied to disappointment or regret.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова были полны озлобления после ссоры.

  His words were full of bitterness after the argument.

• В её голосе чувствовалась горечь утраты.

  There was a bitterness of loss in her voice.

• Озлобление против системы только росло.

  Bitterness against the system only grew.

2. Sharpness or Sarcasm in Tone

Translation(s) & Context:

• язвительность - Used to describe a biting, sarcastic, or caustic tone in speech.

Usage Examples:

• Её язвительность ранила всех вокруг.

  Her sarcasm hurt everyone around her.

• Он ответил с такой язвительностью, что все замолчали.

  He replied with such sharpness that everyone fell silent.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

озлобление (neuter noun): Regular declension in singular and plural.

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	озлобление	озлобления
Genitive	озлобления	озлоблений
Dative	озлоблению	озлоблениям

горечь (feminine noun): Regular declension, often used in singular.

язвительность (feminine noun): Regular declension, similar to "горечь."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for озлобление:

• злоба
• негодование

Note: "злоба" is more intense and direct, while "негодование" implies indignation.

Antonyms for озлобление:

• доброта
• примирение

Related Phrases:

• с горечью в сердце - with bitterness in one’s heart (emotional regret or sorrow)
• говорить с язвительностью - to speak with sarcasm (caustic or biting tone)
• озлобление против кого-либо - bitterness against someone (resentment toward a person)

Usage Notes:

• "озлобление" is the most direct translation for "acrimony" when referring to bitterness or resentment, especially in formal or serious contexts.
• "горечь" often carries a more emotional or personal tone, suitable for contexts of loss or disappointment.
• "язвительность" is specific to tone or speech and should be used when describing sarcasm or sharpness, not general bitterness.
• Be mindful of the context, as these terms are not always interchangeable.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "язвительность" to describe general bitterness. Incorrect: "Его язвительность против системы." Correct: "Его озлобление против системы." Explanation: "язвительность" refers to tone, not general resentment.
• Error: Misusing "горечь" in non-emotional contexts. Incorrect: "Горечь его слов была очевидна в споре." Correct: "Язвительность его слов была очевидна в споре." Explanation: "горечь" implies emotional bitterness, not sharpness in debate.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing bitterness or sarcasm (especially with "язвительность") can be seen as a sign of wit or intellect in certain social circles, but it may also be perceived as rude or offensive if overused. "озлобление" often carries a heavier, more serious connotation, reflecting deep resentment, which may tie to historical or social grievances in Russian literature and discourse.

Related Concepts:

• злость (anger)
• обида (offense)
• сарказм (sarcasm)