Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'defy'

English Word: defy

Key Russian Translations:

• бросать вызов [ˈbrosatʲ ˈvɨzvəf] - [Formal, Often used metaphorically]
• противостоять [prətʲɪvəstɐˈjatʲ] - [Neutral, Used in contexts of resistance]
• не повиноваться [nʲɪ pəvɪnɐˈvatʲsə] - [Formal, Often legal or authoritative contexts]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts like challenges or resistance)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies by translation and context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

бросать вызов: [ˈbrosatʲ ˈvɨzvəf]

Note on бросать вызов: Stress falls on the first syllable of both words. The 'ы' sound in 'вызов' can be challenging for non-native speakers.

противостоять: [prətʲɪvəstɐˈjatʲ]

Note on противостоять: The stress is on the last syllable, and the soft 'тʲ' requires attention.

не повиноваться: [nʲɪ pəvɪnɐˈvatʲsə]

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To challenge or resist authority/rules

Translation(s) & Context:

• бросать вызов - Often used when openly challenging rules or norms.
• не повиноваться - Used in formal or legal contexts for disobedience.

Usage Examples:

• Он бросил вызов системе, отказавшись подчиняться.

  He defied the system by refusing to comply.

• Она не повиновалась приказу начальства.

  She defied the order from her superiors.

2. To resist or oppose something/someone

Translation(s) & Context:

• противостоять - Used for opposition or standing against something/someone.

Usage Examples:

• Мы должны противостоять несправедливости.

  We must defy injustice.

• Он противостоял всем трудностям с мужеством.

  He defied all difficulties with courage.

• Они противостояли врагу до последнего.

  They defied the enemy until the very end.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

бросать вызов: This is a verb phrase. 'Бросать' is an imperfective verb conjugated as follows (present tense):

противостоять: Imperfective verb, follows regular conjugation for verbs ending in -ять.

не повиноваться: Reflexive verb, imperfective, conjugated regularly with the reflexive particle -ся.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• сопротивляться (to resist, closer to 'противостоять')
• игнорировать (to ignore, in some contexts of defiance)

Antonyms:

• подчиняться (to obey, submit)
• сдаваться (to give in, surrender)

Related Phrases:

• бросить вызов судьбе - To defy fate (used metaphorically for taking risks).
• противостоять опасности - To defy danger (to stand against threats).

Usage Notes:

• 'Бросать вызов' often carries a bold or daring connotation, used for challenges that are public or symbolic.
• 'Противостоять' is more neutral and can apply to physical, emotional, or ideological resistance.
• 'Не повиноваться' is typically formal and used in contexts of authority or law; it implies direct disobedience.
• Choosing the right translation depends on the tone and context—use 'бросать вызов' for dramatic defiance, and 'противостоять' for general resistance.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'бросать вызов' in formal legal contexts.
  Incorrect: Он бросил вызов закону.
  Correct: Он не повиновался закону.
  Explanation: 'Бросать вызов' is metaphorical and not suitable for legal disobedience; use 'не повиноваться' instead.
• Error: Misusing 'противостоять' for personal challenges.
  Incorrect: Я противостою учителю.
  Correct: Я бросаю вызов учителю.
  Explanation: 'Противостоять' is better for abstract or large-scale opposition, not personal defiance.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, defiance (especially through 'бросать вызов') often carries a romantic or heroic connotation, rooted in historical narratives of resistance against oppression. It may evoke strong emotional responses in literature or speech.

Related Concepts:

• сопротивление (resistance)
• непослушание (disobedience)
• мятеж (rebellion)