Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'aplomb'

English Word: aplomb

Key Russian Translations:

• апломб [aˈplɔmb] - [Formal; Borrowed from French, used in contexts requiring elegance and self-assurance]

Frequency: Medium (This term is not everyday vocabulary but appears in literature, formal writing, and discussions of behavior or performance.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Learners at this level should recognize it as a borrowed word, but mastering its nuances requires familiarity with Russian nominal inflections and formal contexts.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

апломб: [aˈplɔmb] (The stress is on the second syllable; the 'a' sounds like in 'father', and 'ɔ' like in 'thought'.)

Note on апломб: This is a loanword, so pronunciation closely follows the original French influence in Russian. Non-native speakers may struggle with the soft 'л' sound, which is lighter than in English.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Confidence and poise in one's manner or performance, often in challenging situations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• апломб - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe self-assured behavior, such as in public speaking or artistic performances.

Usage Examples:

• Он выступил на конференции с полным апломбом, несмотря на сложную аудиторию.

  He spoke at the conference with complete aplomb, despite the challenging audience.

• В её манере танца ощущался настоящий апломб, который завораживал зрителей.

  In her dancing style, there was genuine aplomb that captivated the audience.

• Молодой дипломат отвечал на вопросы журналистов с апломбом, не выдав ни тени сомнения.

  The young diplomat answered journalists' questions with aplomb, without showing a hint of doubt.

• Апломб в его речи помог ему убедить инвесторов в успехе проекта.

  The aplomb in his speech helped him convince investors of the project's success.

• Даже в кризисной ситуации она сохранила апломб, руководя командой с хладнокровием.

  Even in a crisis, she maintained aplomb, leading the team with composure.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Апломб" is a masculine noun (masc. sg.) borrowed from French, and it follows standard Russian nominal inflections for third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is not commonly inflected in everyday use but can change in formal or literary contexts.

Note: This word is often used in its base form and does not frequently appear in plural forms, as "aplomb" typically refers to a singular quality. Irregularities stem from its loanword status.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: уверенность (confidence, more general and common), спокойствие (composure, emphasizing calmness)
• уверенность is often interchangeable but lacks the elegant, formal connotation of апломб.
• Antonyms: неуверенность (insecurity), смущение (embarrassment)

Related Phrases:

• С апломбом (With aplomb) - Used to describe performing an action confidently; e.g., in contexts like public speaking or negotiations.
• Демонстрировать апломб (To demonstrate aplomb) - Implies showing self-assurance in a deliberate manner, often in professional settings.
• Апломб в поведении (Aplomb in behavior) - Refers to maintaining poise in social interactions, with a connotation of sophistication.

Usage Notes:

"Апломб" directly corresponds to the English "aplomb" as a borrowed term, emphasizing not just confidence but a stylish or effortless execution. It is primarily used in formal, literary, or artistic contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing between translations like "уверенность," opt for "апломб" if the nuance involves elegance or borrowed sophistication. Be mindful of grammatical gender (masculine) and case changes in sentences, such as in prepositional phrases (e.g., "с апломбом"). Avoid overusing it in everyday Russian, as it may sound pretentious.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "апломб" with "уверенность" and using it interchangeably without context. For example, learners might say "Он имеет уверенность" instead of "Он имеет апломб" in a formal speech context.

  Correct: "Он обладает апломбом в своей речи." (He possesses aplomb in his speech.)

  Explanation: "Апломб" conveys a more refined confidence, while "уверенность" is broader; misuse can dilute the intended elegance.

• Error: Incorrect inflection, such as using the nominative in all cases (e.g., "с апломб" instead of "с апломбом").

  Correct: "с апломбом" in instrumental case.

  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

"Апломб" reflects Russian admiration for intellectual and emotional restraint, influenced by French cultural imports during the 19th-century Russian elite's fascination with Western sophistication. In Russian literature, like works by Tolstoy or Chekhov, it often symbolizes the facade of aristocratic poise, highlighting how surface confidence can mask deeper insecurities in societal interactions.

Related Concepts:

• уверенность
• спокойствие
• хладнокровие