Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Belie'

English Word: belie

Key Russian Translations:

• опровергать [ɐprɐˈvʲerɡətʲ] - [Formal, Used in written or serious contexts]
• скрывать [skrɨˈvatʲ] - [Neutral, Used for hiding or concealing truth]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts, not everyday speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

опровергать: [ɐprɐˈvʲerɡətʲ]

Note on опровергать: Stress falls on the third syllable; the 'г' is pronounced as a voiced fricative in rapid speech.

скрывать: [skrɨˈvatʲ]

Note on скрывать: Stress on the second syllable; the final 'ть' indicates an infinitive form.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To show something to be false or wrong (contradict)

Translation(s) & Context:

• опровергать - Used when disproving a statement, theory, or belief, often in formal or academic contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова опровергают все обвинения.

  His words belie all accusations.

• Новые данные опровергают старую теорию.

  New data belies the old theory.

• Факты опровергают его утверждения.

  The facts belie his claims.

2. To give a false impression of (conceal or misrepresent)

Translation(s) & Context:

• скрывать - Used when something hides or misrepresents the true nature of a situation or feeling.

Usage Examples:

• Её улыбка скрывает глубокую печаль.

  Her smile belies deep sadness.

• Его спокойствие скрывает внутреннюю тревогу.

  His calmness belies inner anxiety.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

опровергать (verb, imperfective): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses. Below is the present tense conjugation:

скрывать (verb, imperfective): Also follows regular conjugation patterns. Stress remains on the second syllable in most forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for опровергать:

• отрицать (to deny)
• оспаривать (to dispute)

Note: "отрицать" is more about denial, while "оспаривать" implies active contention.

Synonyms for скрывать:

• утаивать (to conceal)
• прятать (to hide)

Antonyms for опровергать:

• подтверждать (to confirm)

Antonyms for скрывать:

• раскрывать (to reveal)

Related Phrases:

• опровергать слухи - to belie rumors (to disprove circulating gossip)
• скрывать правду - to belie the truth (to conceal the real situation)

Usage Notes:

• "опровергать" is more formal and typically used in contexts of debate, research, or legal matters. It corresponds to the sense of "belie" as contradicting or disproving.
• "скрывать" aligns with the sense of "belie" as giving a false impression or hiding something. It is more neutral and can be used in everyday speech.
• English learners should note that direct translation of "belie" might not always work due to contextual nuances. Choosing between "опровергать" and "скрывать" depends on whether the emphasis is on contradiction or concealment.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "скрывать" when the intended meaning is to contradict or disprove. Example: *Его слова скрывают обвинения* (incorrect) vs. *Его слова опровергают обвинения* (correct). Explanation: "скрывать" implies hiding, not disproving.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, especially with "опровергать." Stressing the first syllable (*óпровергать*) is incorrect and can hinder comprehension.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, direct contradiction ("опровергать") might be softened in polite or informal settings to avoid confrontation. Instead, speakers might use indirect expressions or euphemisms. Understanding this cultural nuance can help English learners use the term appropriately.

Related Concepts:

• доказывать (to prove)
• обманывать (to deceive)