Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'deride'

English Word: deride

Key Russian Translations:

• высмеивать [vɨsmʲɪˈɪvətʲ] - [Informal, Often used in casual speech]
• осмеивать [ɐsmʲɪˈɪvətʲ] - [Formal, Often used in written or literary contexts]
• насмехаться [nəsmʲɪˈxatʲsə] - [Informal, Often implies mockery with intent]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for "высмеивать" and "насмехаться"; C1 (Advanced) for "осмеивать"

Pronunciation (Russian):

высмеивать: [vɨsmʲɪˈɪvətʲ]

Note on высмеивать: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ы" sound is unique to Russian and may be challenging for English speakers.

осмеивать: [ɐsmʲɪˈɪvətʲ]

Note on осмеивать: Similar stress pattern to "высмеивать", but less commonly used in spoken language.

насмехаться: [nəsmʲɪˈxatʲsə]

Note on насмехаться: The reflexive ending "-ся" indicates an action directed at someone, often with a mocking tone.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To mock or laugh at someone or something scornfully

Translation(s) & Context:

• высмеивать - Commonly used to describe mocking someone's actions or words in a casual setting.
• насмехаться - Implies a stronger, often personal or intentional mockery.

Usage Examples:

• Он постоянно высмеивает мои идеи на собраниях.

  He constantly derides my ideas at meetings.

• Не стоит насмехаться над чужими ошибками.

  You shouldn't deride other people's mistakes.

• Его высмеяли за неумение говорить публично.

  He was derided for his inability to speak publicly.

2. To ridicule something in a formal or literary context

Translation(s) & Context:

• осмеивать - Used in formal or written contexts to describe criticism or ridicule of ideas, behaviors, or institutions.

Usage Examples:

• В своей статье он осмеивает устаревшие традиции.

  In his article, he derides outdated traditions.

• Автор осмеивал социальные нормы того времени.

  The author derided the social norms of that time.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

высмеивать (Verb, Imperfective): Regular conjugation in present, past, and future tenses. Requires an object in the accusative case.

Person	Present Tense
Я (I)	высмеиваю
Ты (You, informal)	высмеиваешь
Он/Она/Оно (He/She/It)	высмеивает
Мы (We)	высмеиваем
Вы (You, formal/plural)	высмеиваете
Они (They)	высмеивают

насмехаться (Verb, Imperfective, Reflexive): Reflexive verb with "-ся", often used with the preposition "над" + instrumental case (to mock someone/something).

осмеивать (Verb, Imperfective): Similar conjugation to "высмеивать", but less common in spoken language.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• издеваться (to mock, often with a harsher tone)
• глумиться (to jeer, often in a derogatory manner)

Antonyms:

• хвалить (to praise)
• восхищаться (to admire)

Note: "издеваться" often carries a stronger, more negative connotation than "высмеивать".

Related Phrases:

• высмеивать на публике - to deride in public
• насмехаться над слабостями - to mock someone's weaknesses
• осмеивать в прессе - to ridicule in the press

Usage Notes:

• "высмеивать" is the most versatile and commonly used term for "deride" in everyday speech. It can be used for lighthearted teasing or more serious mockery.
• "насмехаться" often implies a personal attack or intentional ridicule, frequently used with the preposition "над" (over someone/something).
• "осмеивать" is more formal and often appears in written texts or literary criticism, less common in casual conversation.
• Be cautious with tone and context, as mocking someone directly can be considered rude in Russian culture, especially in formal settings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "насмехаться" without the preposition "над" when referring to mocking a person or thing.
  Incorrect: Он насмехается его.
  Correct: Он насмехается над ним. (He is mocking him.)
• Error: Confusing "высмеивать" with "смеяться" (to laugh). "Смеяться" does not imply mockery.
  Incorrect: Я смеюсь твою идею.
  Correct: Я высмеиваю твою идею. (I deride your idea.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, direct mockery or derision can be perceived as harsh or impolite, especially in formal or professional settings. Sarcasm and subtle humor are more common in casual conversations, but "высмеивать" or "насмехаться" can still carry a negative tone if not used carefully. Historically, Russian literature often uses "осмеивать" to critique societal norms or political structures, as seen in works by authors like Gogol or Dostoevsky.

Related Concepts:

• сарказм (sarcasm)
• ирония (irony)
• критика (criticism)