Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Autocrat'

English Word: autocrat

Key Russian Translations:

• самодержец [səmɐˈdʲerʐɨts] - [Formal, Historical]
• автократ [ɐftɐˈkrat] - [Formal, Modern]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

самодержец: [səmɐˈdʲerʐɨts]

Note on самодержец: Pay attention to the soft 'д' sound and the stress on the third syllable.

автократ: [ɐftɐˈkrat]

Note on автократ: Stress falls on the last syllable, and the 'а' sounds are reduced in unstressed positions.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A ruler with absolute power

Translation(s) & Context:

• самодержец - Often used in historical contexts, referring to monarchs or tsars with absolute power.
• автократ - Used in modern contexts to describe any ruler or leader with unchecked authority.

Usage Examples:

• Царь был самодержцем, обладающим неограниченной властью.

  The tsar was an autocrat, possessing unlimited power.

• Этот автократ правит страной железной рукой.

  This autocrat rules the country with an iron fist.

• Самодержцы прошлого часто игнорировали нужды народа.

  Autocrats of the past often ignored the needs of the people.

• Современные автократы используют СМИ для контроля.

  Modern autocrats use media for control.

• История помнит многих самодержцев как тиранов.

  History remembers many autocrats as tyrants.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

самодержец (noun, masculine, animate):

автократ (noun, masculine, animate):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• тиран (tyrant, often with a negative connotation)
• деспот (despot, implying harsh rule)

Antonyms:

• демократ (democrat)

Related Phrases:

• самодержец всея Руси - "Autocrat of All Russia" (historical title of Russian tsars)
• автократический режим - "Autocratic regime" (a system of government with absolute power)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "самодержец" for historical or traditional contexts, especially when referring to Russian tsars. Use "автократ" for modern political discussions or general references to authoritarian leaders.
• Formality: Both terms are formal and often carry a negative connotation in contemporary usage.
• Grammar: Both nouns are masculine and follow standard declension patterns for animate nouns in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "самодержец" with "самодержавие" (autocracy, the system of rule).
  Correct: "Царь был самодержцем" (The tsar was an autocrat).
  Incorrect: "Царь был самодержавием" (wrong usage, as it refers to the system, not the person).
  Explanation: "Самодержец" refers to the person, while "самодержавие" refers to the concept or system of autocracy.
• Error: Mispronouncing "автократ" by stressing the first syllable.
  Correct: Stress on the last syllable [ɐftɐˈkrat].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian history, "самодержец" is closely tied to the title of the tsars, reflecting their divine right to rule with absolute authority. The term evokes images of the Russian Empire and its centralized power structure. In modern usage, "автократ" often appears in discussions of authoritarian regimes worldwide, sometimes with a critical tone.

Related Concepts:

• самодержавие (autocracy)
• тирания (tyranny)
• абсолютная власть (absolute power)