Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'demur'

English Word: demur

Key Russian Translations:

• возражать (/vɐˈzraʐətʲ/) - [Formal, Verb]
• колебаться (/kəlʲɪˈbasʲt͡sə/) - [Informal, Verb, Used in contexts of hesitation]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal discussions and everyday conversations, but not as frequent as basic verbs like "сказать").

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of verb conjugations and nuanced meanings, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge. For 'возражать', it's B1; for 'колебаться', it's A2 due to simpler usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

возражать: /vɐˈzraʐətʲ/

Note on возражать: The stress is on the second syllable; the 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. A common variant in fast speech might soften the ending.

колебаться: /kəlʲɪˈbasʲt͡sə/

Note on колебаться: Stress on the third syllable; the reflexive form ends with '-ся', which indicates an intransitive action and is pronounced as a soft 's' sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: To object or raise an objection to something (formal context).

Translation(s) & Context:

• возражать - Used in formal debates, legal settings, or polite disagreements to express opposition without aggression.

Usage Examples:

• Я вынужден возразить против этого предложения. (Ya vynuzhden vozrozhat' protiv etogo predlozheniya.)

  I am forced to object to this proposal. (Context: Formal meeting, showing polite dissent.)

• Он возразил, что план нереальный. (On vozrozil, chto plan nerelyal'nyy.)

  He objected that the plan is unrealistic. (Context: Business discussion, highlighting a flaw.)

• В суде адвокат возразил обвинению. (V sude advokat vozrozil obvineniyu.)

  In court, the lawyer objected to the accusation. (Context: Legal scenario, demonstrating formal objection.)

• Она возразила на критику, предоставив доказательства. (Ona vozrozila na kritiku, predostaviv dokazatel'stva.)

  She objected to the criticism by providing evidence. (Context: Academic or professional debate.)

Meaning 2: To hesitate or show reluctance before acting.

Translation(s) & Context:

• колебаться - Used in informal or emotional contexts to describe indecision or wavering.

Usage Examples:

• Перед принятием решения он начал колебаться. (Pered prinyatiem resheniya on nachal kolebat'sya.)

  Before making the decision, he started to demur. (Context: Personal dilemma, showing internal conflict.)

• Она колебалась, стоит ли принимать это предложение. (Ona kolebalas', stoit li prinimat' eto predlozhenie.)

  She demurred about whether to accept this offer. (Context: Everyday life, indicating hesitation.)

• В момент опасности люди часто колеблются. (V moment opasnosti lyudi chasto koleblyutsya.)

  In moments of danger, people often demur. (Context: Narrative or psychological description.)

• Он колебался из-за неопределенности будущего. (On koleblalsya iz-za neopredelennosti budushchego.)

  He demurred due to uncertainty about the future. (Context: Reflective conversation.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For 'возражать' (a verb of the 1st conjugation):

This verb is imperfective and follows standard Russian verb patterns. It conjugates irregularly in some forms due to its stem.

For 'колебаться' (a reflexive verb):

This verb is imperfective and reflexive, meaning it always ends with '-ся'. It has regular conjugations but requires the reflexive particle.

Both verbs do not change in infinitive form and are invariant in perfective aspects if derived (e.g., возразить for perfective of возражать).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • протестовать (protestovat') - Similar to возражать, but more intense; used for stronger objections.
  • сомневаться (somnevatsya) - For колебаться, implying doubt rather than hesitation.
• Antonyms:
  • соглашаться (soglaschatsya) - Opposite of возражать, meaning to agree.
  • решаться (reshatsya) - Opposite of колебаться, meaning to decide firmly.

Related Phrases:

• Возразить против чего-либо - To object to something; used in formal arguments. (Context: Expressing disagreement in debates.)
• Начать колебаться в решениях - To start demurring in decisions; common in indecisive situations. (Context: Personal or psychological narratives.)
• Колебаться на ветру - To sway in the wind; metaphorical for instability. (Context: Literary or idiomatic expressions.)

Usage Notes:

'Возражать' is a precise match for the formal sense of 'demur' in English, often used in professional or legal contexts where politeness is key. In contrast, 'колебаться' aligns with the hesitant aspect and is more informal. English learners should note that Russian verbs require conjugation based on subject and tense, and 'колебаться' is reflexive, so always include '-ся'. Choose 'возражать' for structured objections and 'колебаться' for emotional indecision. Be mindful of aspect: use imperfective for ongoing actions.

Common Errors:

• Error: Forgetting the reflexive '-ся' in 'колебаться', e.g., saying "колебать" instead of "колебаться". Correct: Always use the reflexive form to indicate internal action. Explanation: This changes the meaning to a non-reflexive verb, which doesn't fit the context of hesitation.
• Error: Using 'возражать' in informal settings, which can sound overly formal. Correct: Opt for synonyms like 'протестовать' in casual speech. Explanation: Russian has strict register rules, and misusing formal verbs can make speech awkward.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'возражать' reflects the value placed on structured debate in intellectual and political discussions, as seen in historical forums like the Soviet-era public meetings. 'Колебаться' often appears in literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy) to depict the Russian soul's introspective nature, emphasizing emotional depth over decisive action.

Related Concepts:

• спорить (to argue)
• нерешительность (indecisiveness)
• сомнение (doubt)