Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'apotheosis'

English Word: apotheosis

Key Russian Translations:

• апофеоз /ɐ.pɐ.ˈfʲe.əs/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This word is rarely used in everyday Russian conversation and is more common in literary, academic, or philosophical contexts.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1-C2, suitable for proficient learners due to its specialized vocabulary and abstract connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

апофеоз: /ɐ.pɐ.ˈfʲe.əs/

Note on апофеоз: The stress falls on the third syllable ("fʲe"), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the soft "fʲ" sound. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The highest point of development or achievement

Translation(s) & Context:

• апофеоз - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe the pinnacle of success, such as in art, history, or personal accomplishments (e.g., the apotheosis of a career).

Usage Examples:

• Этот концерт стал апофеозом его музыкальной карьеры.

  This concert became the apotheosis of his musical career.

• Апофеоз битвы был запечатлен в исторических хрониках.

  The apotheosis of the battle was captured in historical chronicles.

• Для многих, восхождение на вершину горы является апофеозом приключения.

  For many, climbing to the top of the mountain is the apotheosis of adventure.

• Апофеоз фестиваля пришелся на финальный фейерверк.

  The apotheosis of the festival came with the final fireworks.

Deification or elevation to divine status (less common)

Translation(s) & Context:

• апофеоз - Applied in mythological or religious discussions, referring to the transformation of a human into a god-like figure (e.g., in ancient Greek contexts).

Usage Examples:

• В древнегреческой мифологии апофеоз Геркулеса символизировал его бессмертие.

  In ancient Greek mythology, the apotheosis of Hercules symbolized his immortality.

• Апофеоз императора был частью римских ритуалов обожествления.

  The apotheosis of the emperor was part of Roman rituals of deification.

• Современные критики видят апофеоз в фильмах, где герои обретают божественные качества.

  Modern critics see apotheosis in films where heroes acquire divine qualities.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Апофеоз" is a masculine noun of the second declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant, with regular inflections across cases and numbers. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The plural form is used when referring to multiple instances, such as in historical analyses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • кульминация (kulminatsiya) - Emphasizes the climax or peak, often in narrative contexts.
  • зенит (zenit) - Highlights the highest point, with a more astronomical connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • упадок (upadok) - Refers to decline or downfall.
  • спад (spad) - Indicates a decrease or low point.

Related Phrases:

• Достичь апофеоза - To reach the apotheosis; used to describe achieving ultimate success (e.g., in a career or event).
• Апофеоз творчества - The apotheosis of creativity; refers to the pinnacle of artistic expression.
• Исторический апофеоз - Historical apotheosis; common in discussions of pivotal moments in history.

Usage Notes:

"Апофеоз" directly corresponds to the English "apotheosis" as a borrowed term, often retaining its original Greek roots. It is primarily used in formal, written, or academic settings rather than casual conversation. When choosing this word, ensure the context involves elevation to a peak or divine status; for everyday highs, simpler synonyms like "кульминация" might be more appropriate. Grammatically, it functions as a noun and requires correct case agreement with prepositions or verbs.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "апофеоз" in plural form unnecessarily, e.g., saying "апофеозы" when referring to a single event. Correct: Stick to singular for isolated instances. Example: Incorrect - "Я видел апофеозы в фильме" (implying multiple apotheoses unnecessarily); Correct - "Я видел апофеоз в фильме" (for a single peak moment). Explanation: Russian nouns require precise number agreement to avoid confusion.

• Error: Mispronouncing the stress, placing it on the wrong syllable. Correct: Always stress the third syllable, as in /ɐ.pɐ.ˈfʲe.əs/. Explanation: This can alter the word's perceived meaning or make it sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

"Апофеоз" originates from ancient Greek culture, where it referred to the deification of heroes or emperors, as seen in Roman and Greek mythology. In Russian literature and art, it often symbolizes the ultimate achievement, influenced by Western classics like those of Pushkin or in Soviet-era historical epics, reflecting a blend of classical and modern Russian cultural heritage.

Related Concepts:

• бог (bog) - God
• герой (geroy) - Hero
• кульминация (kulminatsiya) - Climax