Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'autocratic'

English Word: autocratic

Key Russian Translations:

• автократический [ˌaftəkrəˈtʲitɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Academic]
• самодержавный [səmədʲɪrˈʐavnɨj] - [Formal, Historical]

Frequency: Medium (often used in political or historical contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

автократический: [ˌaftəkrəˈtʲitɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on автократический: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ч" sound is soft, similar to 'ch' in "church."

самодержавный: [səmədʲɪrˈʐavnɨj]

Note on самодержавный: Stress on the fourth syllable. The "ж" sound is like 's' in "measure."

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Relating to a ruler with absolute power

Translation(s) & Context:

• автократический - Used in modern contexts to describe a system or style of governance with centralized, absolute control.
• самодержавный - More historical, often tied to the concept of autocracy in pre-revolutionary Russia (e.g., Tsarist rule).

Usage Examples:

• Его автократический стиль управления вызвал недовольство среди сотрудников.

  His autocratic management style caused dissatisfaction among employees.

• Самодержавный режим царя был свергнут в 1917 году.

  The autocratic regime of the Tsar was overthrown in 1917.

• Автократические лидеры часто подавляют свободу слова.

  Autocratic leaders often suppress freedom of speech.

• В самодержавной системе власть сосредоточена в руках одного человека.

  In an autocratic system, power is concentrated in the hands of one person.

• Автократический подход к принятию решений редко учитывает мнение других.

  An autocratic approach to decision-making rarely considers the opinions of others.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

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

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• диктаторский (more emphasis on dictatorial behavior)
• тиранический (stronger negative connotation, implying tyranny)

Antonyms:

• демократический (democratic)
• либеральный (liberal)

Related Phrases:

• автократическое правление - Autocratic rule (refers to governance with absolute power).
• самодержавная власть - Autocratic power (often used in historical contexts for monarchy).

Usage Notes:

• "Автократический" is more commonly used in contemporary discussions of politics or leadership styles, while "самодержавный" is tied to historical contexts, especially pre-1917 Russian monarchy.
• Both terms are formal and rarely used in casual conversation. They are more likely to appear in academic, political, or historical texts.
• When choosing between the two, consider the context: use "самодержавный" for historical references and "автократический" for modern or general discussions of autocracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "самодержавный" in modern contexts.
  Incorrect: Современный лидер имеет самодержавный стиль.
  Correct: Современный лидер имеет автократический стиль.
  Explanation: "Самодержавный" is outdated for modern leaders and is associated with historical autocracy (e.g., Tsars).
• Error: Misusing gender or case endings for adjectives.
  Incorrect: Автократический режимы.
  Correct: Автократические режимы.
  Explanation: The adjective must agree with the noun in number, gender, and case.

Cultural Notes:

The term "самодержавный" carries significant cultural weight in Russia due to its association with the Tsarist autocracy, a system of absolute monarchy that lasted until the 1917 Revolution. It often evokes historical discussions of power and oppression. Meanwhile, "автократический" is a more neutral, academic term used in global political discourse.

Related Concepts:

• диктатура (dictatorship)
• тирания (tyranny)
• абсолютизм (absolutism)