Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'autocracy'

English Word: autocracy

Key Russian Translations:

• автократия [ɑf.tɐ.krɐˈtʲi.jə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Primarily used in academic, political, or historical contexts; not everyday conversation but common in formal discourse.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate to Advanced; Requires understanding of political terminology and Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of vocabulary and grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

автократия: [ɑf.tɐ.krɐˈtʲi.jə]

Note on автократия: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("tʲi"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the soft 'тʲ' sound. Practice with native speakers to master the rolling 'r' and vowel reductions in casual speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A system of government by one person with absolute power.

Translation(s) & Context:

• автократия - Used in formal political, historical, or academic discussions to describe absolute rule, often in the context of Russian or global history.

Usage Examples:

• В России XIX века автократия была основной формой правления.

  In Russia in the 19th century, autocracy was the primary form of government.

• Автократия часто приводит к подавлению гражданских свобод.

  Autocracy often leads to the suppression of civil liberties.

• Современные автократии могут маскироваться под демократические режимы.

  Modern autocracies can disguise themselves as democratic regimes.

• История автократии в Европе включает примеры вроде правления Людовика XIV.

  The history of autocracy in Europe includes examples like the rule of Louis XIV.

• Автократия отличается от монархии наличием абсолютной власти без ограничений.

  Autocracy differs from monarchy in having absolute power without limitations.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Автократия" is a feminine noun of the first declension in Russian. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • тирания (tiraniya) - Implies more oppressive rule, often with a negative connotation.
  • абсолютизм (absolyutizm) - Focuses on absolute power, similar but more historical in usage.
• Antonyms:
  • демократия (demokratiya) - Represents rule by the people, contrasting sharply in political philosophy.
  • конституционная монархия (konstitutsionnaya monarkhiya) - A system with limited power, often in constitutional frameworks.

Related Phrases:

• абсолютная автократия - Absolute autocracy; Refers to a form of rule with no checks or balances.
• автократический режим - Autocratic regime; Used to describe modern authoritarian governments.
• история автократии - History of autocracy; Common in academic discussions about political evolution.

Usage Notes:

• Автократия directly corresponds to "autocracy" in English, emphasizing absolute personal rule, often in historical contexts like Russian tsarism. It is primarily formal and should be used in academic or professional settings rather than casual conversation.
• In Russian, this term is gender-neutral as a noun but follows feminine declensions, so pay attention to case agreements (e.g., with adjectives or verbs).
• When choosing between synonyms like "тирания," opt for "автократия" if the focus is on legitimate but absolute power, whereas "тирания" implies cruelty.
• Commonly paired with phrases involving historical figures, so integrate it into sentences discussing politics or governance for natural usage.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "автократия" with "диктатура" (dictatorship): Learners might overuse "диктатура" for any authoritarian system, but "автократия" specifically implies rule by one person without modern connotations. Error example: "Путин имеет диктатуру" (incorrect for historical autocracy). Correct: "Путин управляет в стиле автократии" – This avoids direct equivalence and provides context.
• Incorrect declension: Forgetting to change the ending in different cases, e.g., saying "об автократия" instead of "об автократии" in the prepositional case. Explanation: Always check the noun's case based on its role in the sentence to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "автократия" is deeply tied to the imperial era, particularly the rule of the tsars, where the monarch held unchecked power. This concept influenced Russian literature, such as in works by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, and remains a point of national reflection, symbolizing both strength and oppression in the context of Russia's autocratic past versus its modern democratic aspirations.

Related Concepts:

• монархия (monarchy)
• тоталитаризм (totalitarianism)
• авторитаризм (authoritarianism)