Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Authoritarian'

English Word: Authoritarian

Key Russian Translations:

• авторитарный [ɐftɐrʲɪˈtarnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• диктаторский [dʲɪktɐˈtorskʲɪj] - [Formal, Adjective, Often Negative Connotation]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

авторитарный: [ɐftɐrʲɪˈtarnɨj]

Note on авторитарный: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled, typical in Russian pronunciation.

диктаторский: [dʲɪktɐˈtorskʲɪj]

Note on диктаторский: Stress on the third syllable. The 'д' is soft due to the following 'и'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Relating to a strict, controlling authority (Adjective)

Translation(s) & Context:

• авторитарный - Used to describe a governing style or personality that demands obedience and control.
• диктаторский - Often used with a stronger negative tone, implying oppressive or tyrannical rule.

Usage Examples:

• Его авторитарный стиль управления вызвал недовольство сотрудников.

  His authoritarian management style caused dissatisfaction among employees.

• Авторитарный режим подавлял любые попытки протеста.

  The authoritarian regime suppressed any attempts at protest.

• Диктаторский подход к воспитанию детей может навредить их развитию.

  A dictatorial approach to raising children can harm their development.

• Она говорила с диктаторской интонацией, не допуская возражений.

  She spoke with a dictatorial tone, not allowing any objections.

• Авторитарный лидер редко прислушивается к мнению других.

  An authoritarian leader rarely listens to others' opinions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

авторитарный (Adjective): Follows standard Russian adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

диктаторский (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as above.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• деспотичный (despotic, often more extreme)
• тоталитарный (totalitarian, related to complete control)

Antonyms:

• демократический (democratic)
• либеральный (liberal)

Related Phrases:

• авторитарный режим - Authoritarian regime, used to describe a controlling government.
• диктаторский тон - Dictatorial tone, referring to a commanding or domineering way of speaking.
• авторитарное воспитание - Authoritarian upbringing, often used in parenting contexts.

Usage Notes:

• авторитарный is more neutral and widely used to describe strict control or authority, suitable for formal and academic contexts.
• диктаторский carries a stronger negative connotation and is often associated with oppression or tyranny; use it when emphasizing harshness.
• Both adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify, a key aspect of Russian grammar.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using диктаторский in neutral contexts. For example, saying "диктаторский учитель" (dictatorial teacher) might sound overly harsh when авторитарный учитель (authoritarian teacher) is more appropriate.
• Error: Failing to decline adjectives based on the noun's gender or case. For instance, incorrectly using "авторитарный" with a feminine noun like "система" (system) instead of "авторитарная система."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking contexts, terms like авторитарный and диктаторский often carry historical weight due to the Soviet Union's authoritarian past. Using these words may evoke strong associations with political repression or strict control, so sensitivity to context is advised.

Related Concepts:

• тоталитаризм (totalitarianism)
• деспотизм (despotism)
• власть (power/authority)