Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'debauch'

English Word: debauch

Key Russian Translations:

• разврат (/rɐzˈvrat/) - [Formal, Noun]
• развращать (/rɐzvrɐˈʂatʲ/) - [Formal, Verb, Used in literary or ethical discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in literary, philosophical, or formal contexts, but not in everyday conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and noun/verb inflections in Russian.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

разврат: /rɐzˈvrat/

Note on разврат: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'р' is rolled, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft 'в' sound.

развращать: /rɐzvrɐˈʂatʲ/

Note on развращать: The 'щ' sound is a palatalized 'sh' with a following 't', common in verbs; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: As a noun, referring to excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures or moral corruption.

Translation(s) & Context:

• разврат - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe moral decay, often in discussions of ethics or society.

Usage Examples:

• В обществе растёт уровень разврата из-за легкодоступных развлечений.

  In society, the level of debauchery is growing due to easily accessible entertainments.

• Он был обвинён в распространении разврата среди молодёжи.

  He was accused of spreading debauchery among the youth.

• Разврат часто изображается в классической литературе как следствие безнравственности.

  Debauchery is often depicted in classical literature as a result of immorality.

• В исторических текстах разврат ассоциируется с эпохой упадка.

  In historical texts, debauchery is associated with eras of decline.

Meaning 2: As a verb, meaning to corrupt or lead someone into moral degradation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• развращать - Applied in contexts involving influence or temptation, such as in education or media.

Usage Examples:

• Социальные сети могут развращать умы молодых людей, показывая ложные идеалы.

  Social media can debauch the minds of young people by showing false ideals.

• Родители опасаются, что телевизионные шоу развращают детей.

  Parents fear that TV shows are debauching their children.

• Влияние плохой компании может развращать даже самых сильных личностей.

  The influence of bad company can debauch even the strongest individuals.

• Политики иногда обвиняют СМИ в том, что те развращают общественное мнение.

  Politicians sometimes accuse the media of debauching public opinion.

• Книги с сомнительным содержанием могут развращать читателей, если не читать их критически.

  Books with questionable content can debauch readers if not approached critically.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "разврат" (a masculine noun):

It follows standard Russian noun declension for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Here is a table of its inflections:

For "развращать" (a verb, imperfective):

It is a first-conjugation verb with regular inflections. Example conjugations in present tense:

Note: This verb has a perfective counterpart, "развратить," which is used for completed actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • порок (/ˈporək/) - Often used interchangeably but implies a broader moral flaw.
  • распутство (/rɐˈsputstvə/) - Similar to разврат but with connotations of promiscuity.
• Antonyms:
  • нравственность (/nrɐfˈstvennəsʲtʲ/) - Morality, directly opposite in ethical contexts.
  • благопристойность (/blɐgəprʲiˈstojnəsʲtʲ/) - Decency, emphasizing proper behavior.

Related Phrases:

• Моральный разврат - Moral debauchery; refers to ethical corruption in society.
• Распространять разврат - To spread debauchery; used when discussing negative influences.
• Путь разврата - Path of debauchery; a metaphorical phrase for a life of excess.

Usage Notes:

"Debauch" translates most accurately to "разврат" as a noun or "развращать" as a verb in Russian. Use "разврат" in formal writing or discussions about ethics, as it carries a strong connotation of moral decay, similar to English. Be cautious with verb forms; "развращать" is imperfective and suits ongoing actions, while its perfective form "развратить" is for completed ones. In everyday Russian, these words are rare and may sound archaic or literary, so opt for them in academic or philosophical contexts rather than casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Confusing inflections: English learners often misuse cases, e.g., saying "в разврат" instead of "в разврате" (correct prepositional case). Error: "Я думаю о разврат." Correct: "Я думаю о разврате." Explanation: The prepositional case requires the ending change for proper context.

• Overgeneralizing synonyms: Mistaking "порок" for an exact synonym; it can mean any vice, not specifically debauchery. Error: Using "порок" for sexual debauchery. Correct: Use "разврат" for precision. Explanation: Context matters—check the specific moral implication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "разврат" often appear in literature by authors such as Dostoevsky, reflecting themes of moral struggle and societal decline. It carries a historical weight from the Imperial era, where it was linked to criticisms of the aristocracy's excesses, helping English speakers understand Russia's emphasis on moral introspection in art and philosophy.

Related Concepts:

• грех
• коррупция
• мораль