Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'deify'

English Word: deify

Key Russian Translations:

• обожествлять [ɐbɐˈʐɛstvʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, Literary]
• возводить в боги [vɐzʲvɐˈdʲitʲ v ˈboɡʲɪ] - [Formal, Idiomatic]

Frequency: Low (Rarely used in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced) for both translations due to formal and literary usage

Pronunciation (Russian):

обожествлять: [ɐbɐˈʐɛstvʲɪtʲ]

Note on обожествлять: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced fricative, distinct from English "z".

возводить в боги: [vɐzʲvɐˈdʲitʲ v ˈboɡʲɪ]

Note on возводить в боги: Stress is on the second syllable of "возводить" and the first syllable of "боги".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To treat someone or something as a god (literal or figurative)

Translation(s) & Context:

• обожествлять - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of deifying a person or concept.
• возводить в боги - Often used idiomatically to imply excessive admiration or worship.

Usage Examples:

• Некоторые культуры обожествляли своих правителей.

  Some cultures deified their rulers.

• Он обожествлял своего наставника, считая его непогрешимым.

  He deified his mentor, considering him infallible.

• Современные фанаты часто возводят звезд в боги.

  Modern fans often deify celebrities.

• Его идеи были возведены в боги последователями.

  His ideas were deified by his followers.

• Обожествлять природу — древняя традиция многих народов.

  Deifying nature is an ancient tradition of many peoples.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

обожествлять (Verb, Imperfective): This verb follows regular conjugation patterns for verbs ending in -ять. It denotes an ongoing or incomplete action.

возводить в боги (Idiomatic Phrase): The verb "возводить" is imperfective and follows regular conjugation. The phrase as a whole does not inflect beyond the verb component.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• прославлять (to glorify - slightly less intense)
• возвеличивать (to exalt - often figurative)

Antonyms:

• унижать (to humiliate)
• осквернять (to desecrate)

Related Phrases:

• обожествлять природу - to deify nature (used in discussions of ancient beliefs)
• возвести в ранг богов - to elevate to the rank of gods (formal, literary usage)

Usage Notes:

• "обожествлять" is more direct and formal, often used in religious or philosophical contexts. It directly translates the concept of deification.
• "возводить в боги" is idiomatic and can carry a tone of exaggeration or criticism when used in modern contexts, e.g., deifying celebrities.
• Both terms are rarely used in casual speech and are more common in written, academic, or literary Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "обожествлять" in informal contexts.
  Incorrect: Я обожествляю эту певицу. (I deify this singer.)
  Correct: Я восхищаюсь этой певицей. (I admire this singer.)
  Explanation: "обожествлять" sounds overly formal and out of place in casual speech. Use "восхищаться" (to admire) instead for everyday contexts.
• Error: Misusing "возводить в боги" without understanding its idiomatic tone.
  Incorrect: Мы возводим в боги наших предков. (We deify our ancestors - may sound critical.)
  Correct: Мы почитаем наших предков. (We honor our ancestors.)
  Explanation: The phrase can imply excessive or unwarranted worship, so it may not suit respectful contexts.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the concept of deification is often tied to Orthodox Christianity or ancient Slavic pagan traditions. Terms like "обожествлять" may evoke historical or religious discussions, such as the deification of saints or emperors. In modern usage, "возводить в боги" can reflect a critique of celebrity culture or blind admiration.

Related Concepts:

• божество (deity)
• поклонение (worship)
• культ личности (cult of personality)