Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'credulity'

English Word: credulity

Key Russian Translations:

• легковерие [IPA: lʲɪɡkəvʲɪˈrʲijə] - [Formal, Abstract Noun]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, literature, and discussions about psychology or social behavior, but less frequent in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and Russian declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic vocabulary and grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

легковерие: lʲɪɡkəvʲɪˈrʲijə

Note on легковерие: The stress falls on the third syllable ('rʲijə), which can be challenging for English speakers due to the soft consonants and vowel reductions in spoken Russian. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The tendency to believe too readily, especially without proper evidence or critical thinking.

Translation(s) & Context:

• легковерие - Used in contexts involving gullibility, naivety in interpersonal relationships, or vulnerability to deception, often in formal or psychological discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Его легковерие часто приводит к неприятным ситуациям, когда он верит каждому слову.

  His credulity often leads to unpleasant situations when he believes every word.

• В эпоху фейковых новостей легковерие может быть опасным для общества.

  In the era of fake news, credulity can be dangerous for society.

• Она преодолела свою легковерие, став более скептичной после нескольких разочарований.

  She overcame her credulity, becoming more skeptical after several disappointments.

• Легковерие ребенка делает его уязвимым перед обманщиками.

  A child's credulity makes them vulnerable to deceivers.

• В политике легковерие избирателей может быть использовано для манипуляции.

  In politics, voters' credulity can be exploited for manipulation.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"легковерие" is a neuter abstract noun in Russian, which follows the standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns. It does not change in the nominative singular but inflects based on case, number, and gender agreements. As an abstract concept, it is typically used in singular form.

Note: This word is invariant in plural forms due to its abstract nature, but always ensure agreement with adjectives or verbs in context.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • доверчивость (slightly more neutral, implying general trustfulness)
  • наивность (emphasizes innocence or lack of experience, with a connotation of childlike quality)
• Antonyms:
  • скептицизм (indicating doubt or disbelief)
  • подозрительность (suggesting suspicion or wariness)

Related Phrases:

• Излишнее легковерие - Excessive credulity; often used to warn against blind trust in unreliable sources.
• Легковерие в любви - Credulity in love; refers to naivety in romantic relationships, with potential for emotional vulnerability.
• Преодолеть легковерие - To overcome credulity; a phrase encouraging critical thinking and skepticism.

Usage Notes:

"Легковерие" directly corresponds to "credulity" in English, emphasizing a predisposition to accept information without verification. It is typically used in formal contexts like psychology, literature, or ethical discussions, rather than casual conversation. When choosing between synonyms like "доверчивость," opt for "легковерие" if the nuance is more negative or implies foolishness. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian case rules to ensure proper sentence flow, such as in prepositional phrases (e.g., "о легковерии" for "about credulity"). English learners should note that Russian often pairs this word with verbs like "привести к" (lead to) to show consequences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with "вероятность" (probability): Learners might mistakenly use "вероятность" thinking it means "credulity," but that's incorrect. Error example: "Его вероятность сделала его жертвой" (wrong). Correct: "Его легковерие сделало его жертвой" (His credulity made him a victim). Explanation: "Вероятность" refers to likelihood, not gullibility.

• Forgetting declension: Non-native speakers often leave it undeclined, e.g., saying "из легковерие" instead of "из легковерия." Correct usage: Always adjust for genitive case as needed. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, so this error disrupts grammatical accuracy.

• Overusing in informal speech: Treating it as everyday vocabulary, like in casual chats, when it's more formal. Error example: In a text message, saying "Ты слишком легковерие" instead of reserving it for written essays. Correct approach: Use simpler words like "наивный" in informal settings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "легковерие" often appears in literature and proverbs to highlight the risks of naivety, such as in folklore where characters like Ivan the Fool embody excessive credulity, leading to both mishaps and unexpected wisdom. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on skepticism as a virtue, especially in historical contexts like the Soviet era, where distrust of information was common due to propaganda.

Related Concepts:

• доверчивость
• наивность
• скептицизм
• подозрительность