Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'calumny'

English Word: calumny

Key Russian Translations:

• клевета [klʲɪˈvʲetə] - [Formal, Legal context]

Frequency: Medium (Common in legal, journalistic, and formal discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of formal vocabulary and noun declensions in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

клевета: [klʲɪˈvʲetə]

Note on клевета: The stress is on the second syllable (вʲe). Pay attention to the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel length.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Making a false and malicious statement to damage someone's reputation

Translation(s) & Context:

• клевета - Used in formal or legal contexts to describe deliberate defamation, often in written or spoken form.

Usage Examples:

• Он распространял клевету о своем бывшем партнере, чтобы разрушить его репутацию.

  He spread calumny about his former partner to destroy his reputation.

• В суде было доказano, что обвинения были чистой клеветой без оснований.

  In court, it was proven that the accusations were pure calumny without basis.

• Клевета в СМИ может привести к серьезным юридическим последствиям для журналиста.

  Calumny in the media can lead to serious legal consequences for the journalist.

• Она устала от постоянной клеветы со стороны конкурентов в бизнесе.

  She grew tired of the constant calumny from competitors in business.

• Распространение клеветы онлайн стало обычной проблемой в эпоху социальных сетей.

  The spread of calumny online has become a common issue in the era of social media.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Клевета" is a feminine noun (3rd declension). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table of its declensions:

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • очернение (ochernenie) - More emphasis on blackening someone's name, often in a broader sense.
  • диффамация (diffamatsiya) - A direct borrowing, used in very formal or legal contexts with slight Western influence.
• Antonyms:
  • похвала (pohvala) - Praise, directly opposite in intent.
  • хвала (khvala) - Another form of praise, more archaic or poetic.

Related Phrases:

• Распространять клевету - To spread calumny; commonly used in legal or ethical discussions.
• Клеветнический слух - Calumnious rumor; refers to gossip with malicious intent.
• Обвинять в клевете - To accuse of calumny; often in courtroom scenarios.

Usage Notes:

"Клевета" directly corresponds to "calumny" in English, emphasizing false statements made with malice to harm reputation. It is typically used in formal, legal, or journalistic contexts rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "очернение," opt for "клевета" if the intent is specifically defamatory and actionable under law. Be mindful of Russian grammar: as a feminine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with accompanying words (e.g., adjectives or verbs). In modern Russian, this word often appears in discussions of media ethics or social media regulations.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "клевета" with "сплетня" (gossip): Learners might use "сплетня" interchangeably, but it lacks the malicious intent. Incorrect: "Это просто сплетня." (This is just gossip, implying no harm.) Correct: "Это клевета, которая может повредить репутацию." (This is calumny that can damage reputation.) Explanation: "Сплетня" is neutral or trivial, while "клевета" implies legal consequences.

• Incorrect declension: For example, using the nominative "клевета" in all cases. Incorrect: "О клевета" (wrong genitive). Correct: "О клевете" (proper genitive). Explanation: Always apply standard feminine noun declensions to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and legal systems, "клевета" is not just a social faux pas but a criminal offense under Article 128 of the Russian Criminal Code, often linked to defamation lawsuits. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on protecting personal honor and reputation, influenced by historical contexts like Soviet-era propaganda and modern internet regulations, where spreading calumny online can lead to fines or imprisonment.

Related Concepts:

• слух (slukh) - Rumor
• диффамация (diffamatsiya) - Defamation
• репутация (reputatsiya) - Reputation