Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cynicism'

English Word: Cynicism

Key Russian Translations:

• цинизм [ˈt͡sɨnʲɪzm] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• циничность [t͡sɨˈnʲit͡ɕnəsʲtʲ] - [Neutral, Slightly More Abstract]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

цинизм: [ˈt͡sɨnʲɪzm]

Note on цинизм: Stress is on the first syllable. The 'ц' sound is a sharp, unaspirated 'ts'.

циничность: [t͡sɨˈnʲit͡ɕnəsʲtʲ]

Note on циничность: Stress is on the second syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'ч' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Disbelief in sincerity or moral values

Translation(s) & Context:

• цинизм - Often used to describe a general attitude of skepticism or disdain for moral principles.
• циничность - Can emphasize the quality or characteristic of being cynical, often in a more abstract sense.

Usage Examples:

• Его цинизм по отношению к благотворительности шокировал всех.

  His cynicism towards charity shocked everyone.

• Она говорила с такой циничностью, что никто не мог поверить её словам.

  She spoke with such cynicism that no one could believe her words.

• Цинизм в его шутках был слишком резким для этой аудитории.

  The cynicism in his jokes was too harsh for this audience.

• Её циничность часто скрывает глубокую боль.

  Her cynicism often hides deep pain.

• Этот цинизм стал частью его характера после стольких разочарований.

  This cynicism became part of his character after so many disappointments.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

цинизм (Masculine Noun):

Note: This noun does not have a plural form as it is an abstract concept.

циничность (Feminine Noun):

Note: Similarly, this noun is rarely used in the plural form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• скептицизм (skepticism, though less negative)
• насмешливость (mockery, with a focus on derision)

Antonyms:

• искренность (sincerity)
• наивность (naivety)

Related Phrases:

• проявлять цинизм - To show cynicism (often in attitude or behavior).
• сквозь цинизм - Through cynicism (used metaphorically to describe seeing the world).
• циничный взгляд - Cynical view (a perspective marked by distrust or disdain).

Usage Notes:

• Both "цинизм" and "циничность" are close in meaning, but "цинизм" is more commonly used to describe a general cynical attitude, while "циничность" often refers to the quality or trait of cynicism in a person or statement.
• These terms are generally neutral in tone but can carry a negative connotation depending on context, especially when describing someone’s behavior as insensitive or mocking.
• Use "цинизм" when speaking about a broader concept or societal trend, and "циничность" when focusing on a personal characteristic.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "цинизм" with "скептицизм". While both can imply doubt, "скептицизм" is more about questioning and less about disdain.
  Incorrect: Его скептицизм о любви был очевиден. (Intended: cynicism about love)
  Correct: Его цинизм о любви был очевиден.
• Error: Misusing case endings due to unfamiliarity with declension rules. For example, using "цинизм" incorrectly in the instrumental case as "цинизмем" instead of "цинизмом".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, cynicism is often associated with a defense mechanism developed during times of social or political hardship, such as the Soviet era, where distrust in official narratives was common. Expressing cynicism can sometimes be seen as a sign of worldly experience or realism, though excessive cynicism may be criticized as bitterness or negativity.

Related Concepts:

• скептицизм (skepticism)
• пессимизм (pessimism)
• ирония (irony)