Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'atheist'

English Word: atheist

Key Russian Translations:

• атеист /ɐˈtʲeɪst/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly used in discussions about philosophy, religion, and modern society, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Learners at this level should be familiar with basic religious and philosophical vocabulary, though mastering pronunciation and inflections may require practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

атеист: /ɐˈtʲeɪst/

Note on атеист: The stress is on the second syllable (/ˈtʲeɪst/), and the "тʲ" sound is a palatalized 't', which is common in Russian but may be challenging for English speakers. Practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who does not believe in God or gods.

Translation(s) & Context:

• атеист - Used in formal or academic contexts, such as philosophical discussions or surveys on religion.

Usage Examples:

• Мой друг — убеждённый атеист, и он часто спорит о существовании бога.

  My friend is a convinced atheist, and he often argues about the existence of God.

• В советское время многие люди были атеистами из-за государственной политики.

  In Soviet times, many people were atheists due to state policy.

• Атеисты часто полагаются на науку, а не на религию, для объяснения мира.

  Atheists often rely on science rather than religion to explain the world.

• Она стала атеисткой после долгих размышлений о противоречиях в священных текстах.

  She became an atheist after long reflections on the contradictions in sacred texts.

• В современном обществе атеисты могут сталкиваться с предрассудками, но их взгляды всё чаще принимаются.

  In modern society, atheists may face prejudices, but their views are increasingly accepted.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Атеист" is a masculine noun in Russian, and it follows the standard second-declension pattern for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. It has regular inflections based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • безбожник - Often used in a more emotional or historical context, implying active opposition to religion.
  • неверующий - A broader term for someone who does not believe, but less formal than атеист.
• Antonyms:
  • верующий - Refers to a believer in God or religion.
  • религиозный - More general, meaning religious or devout.

Related Phrases:

• атеист по убеждениям - An atheist by conviction; used to emphasize a deeply held belief.
• заявленный атеист - Declared atheist; often in legal or official contexts, such as census forms.
• атеистические взгляды - Atheistic views; refers to philosophical perspectives on atheism.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "атеист" directly corresponds to the English "atheist" as a neutral term for someone who rejects theism. It is typically used in formal, intellectual, or public discussions rather than casual conversation. Be mindful of cultural sensitivity, as religion plays a significant role in Russian society; avoid using it confrontationally. When choosing between synonyms like "безбожник," opt for "атеист" in modern contexts to maintain neutrality. Grammatically, ensure correct declension based on sentence structure, such as using the genitive case after prepositions like "без" (without).

Common Errors:

• Confusing "атеист" with "агностик" (agnostic): English learners might mix these up, thinking they mean the same thing. Error: Saying "Я атеист" when meaning "I don't know if God exists." Correct: Use "агностик" for uncertainty about God's existence. Explanation: "Атеист" implies a firm disbelief, while "агностик" means lacking knowledge or belief either way.

• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "Я разговаривал с атеист" instead of "Я разговаривал с атеистом." Error example: "Я видел атеист в парке" (incorrect). Correct: "Я видел атеиста в парке." Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so always adjust based on the sentence's grammatical role.

Cultural Notes:

In Russia, the term "атеист" carries historical connotations due to the Soviet era's promotion of atheism as state ideology, which suppressed religious practices. Today, while freedom of religion is protected, atheism is more openly discussed in urban and intellectual circles. This can influence how the word is perceived, often linking it to anti-religious sentiments from the past, so use it with awareness of potential sensitivities in conversations.

Related Concepts:

• агностик
• атеизм
• религия