Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Arrogance'

English Word: arrogance

Key Russian Translations:

• высокомерие [vɨsəkɐˈmʲerʲɪjə] - [Neutral, Formal/Informal]
• надменность [nɐdˈmʲenːəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, Slightly Literary]
• спесь [spʲesʲ] - [Informal, Often Negative or Derogatory]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for "высокомерие" and "надменность"; B2-C1 (Intermediate-Advanced) for "спесь"

Pronunciation (Russian):

высокомерие: [vɨsəkɐˈmʲerʲɪjə]

Note on высокомерие: Stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ме"). The "ы" sound is a unique Russian vowel, pronounced with the tongue positioned as for "i" but further back.

надменность: [nɐdˈmʲenːəsʲtʲ]

Note on надменность: Stress on the second syllable ("мен"). The double "н" indicates a slightly prolonged consonant sound.

спесь: [spʲesʲ]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Attitude of Superiority

Translation(s) & Context:

• высокомерие - Commonly used to describe a general attitude of looking down on others, applicable in both formal and informal contexts.
• надменность - Often used in more formal or literary contexts to emphasize disdain or haughtiness.

Usage Examples:

• Его высокомерие отталкивает людей.

  His arrogance pushes people away.

• Она говорила с такой надменностью, что все замолчали.

  She spoke with such arrogance that everyone fell silent.

• Высокомерие не поможет тебе завоевать друзей.

  Arrogance won’t help you make friends.

2. Conceit or Excessive Pride (Often Negative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• спесь - Used in informal or critical contexts to describe excessive pride or conceit, often with a negative connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Сбей с него спесь, он слишком много о себе думает.

  Knock the arrogance out of him; he thinks too highly of himself.

• Её спесь раздражает всех вокруг.

  Her arrogance irritates everyone around her.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

высокомерие (neuter noun):

Note: No plural form as it is an abstract noun.

надменность (feminine noun) and спесь (feminine noun) follow similar declension patterns for feminine nouns ending in -ость and soft consonants, respectively.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• заносчивость
• гордыня
• самомнение

Note on Synonyms: "заносчивость" is more informal and often implies rudeness; "гордыня" has a religious or moral connotation; "самомнение" emphasizes self-importance.

Antonyms:

• скромность
• смирение

Related Phrases:

• высокомерие в голосе - "arrogance in one’s voice"; used to describe a tone of superiority.
• сбить спесь - "to knock the arrogance out of someone"; a common idiom meaning to humble someone.
• надменный взгляд - "an arrogant look"; often used to describe facial expressions of disdain.

Usage Notes:

• "высокомерие" is the most neutral and widely used term for "arrogance" and can be applied in most contexts.
• "надменность" is more formal and often appears in written or literary language, carrying a stronger sense of disdain.
• "спесь" is colloquial and often used critically or mockingly; it may not be suitable for formal settings.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between these terms, as "спесь" can sound more judgmental than the others.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "спесь" in formal writing or polite conversation. Incorrect: "Его спесь была очевидна на совещании." Correct: "Его высокомерие было очевидно на совещании." (His arrogance was evident at the meeting.) Explanation: "спесь" is too informal and negative for formal contexts.
• Error: Mispronouncing "высокомерие" by stressing the wrong syllable. Explanation: Stress is on "ме", not "вы" or "со". Incorrect stress can make the word sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, overt displays of arrogance ("высокомерие" or "спесь") are often frowned upon, as humility and collectivism have historically been valued. The term "спесь" may carry associations with outdated class distinctions or noble pretensions, often used critically.

Related Concepts:

• гордость (pride)
• самоуверенность (self-confidence)
• пренебрежение (disdain)