Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Derision'

English Word: derision

Key Russian Translations:

• насмешка [nɐˈsmʲeʂkə] - [Informal, Singular]
• издевательство [ɪzdʲɪˈvatʲɪlstvə] - [Formal, Stronger tone]
• глумление [ɡlʊmˈlʲenʲɪjə] - [Formal, Often derogatory or mocking]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate) for "насмешка"; B2-C1 (Intermediate to Advanced) for "издевательство" and "глумление"

Pronunciation (Russian):

насмешка: [nɐˈsmʲeʂkə]

Note on насмешка: Stress falls on the second syllable. The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, similar to "sh" in "ship."

издевательство: [ɪzdʲɪˈvatʲɪlstvə]

Note on издевательство: Stress on the third syllable. The soft "д" (dʲ) requires palatalization.

глумление: [ɡlʊmˈlʲenʲɪjə]

Note on глумление: Stress on the second syllable. The "лʲ" is a soft "l" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Mockery or Ridicule (General Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• насмешка - Commonly used in everyday speech to denote light mockery or teasing.

Usage Examples:

• Его слова были полны насмешки над моими усилиями.

  His words were full of derision toward my efforts.

• Она посмотрела на меня с насмешкой, когда я ошибся.

  She looked at me with derision when I made a mistake.

• Насмешка в его голосе была очевидна.

  The derision in his voice was obvious.

2. Harsh Mockery or Contempt (Stronger Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• издевательство - Used for harsher, more deliberate mockery or bullying.
• глумление - Often implies a cruel or scornful tone, sometimes with a sense of gloating.

Usage Examples:

• Его издевательство над её ошибками было невыносимо.

  His derision of her mistakes was unbearable.

• Глумление над побеждёнными было недостойно.

  Derision over the defeated was unworthy.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

насмешка (Noun, Feminine):

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	насмешка	насмешки
Genitive	насмешки	насмешек
Dative	насмешке	насмешкам
Accusative	насмешку	насмешки
Instrumental	насмешкой	насмешками
Prepositional	о насмешке	о насмешках

издевательство (Noun, Neuter) and глумление (Noun, Neuter): Follow similar declension patterns for neuter nouns. Both are abstract nouns and rarely used in plural forms.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for насмешка:

• смешок
• шутка (in a lighter sense)

Note: "смешок" implies a chuckle or giggle, while "шутка" can mean a jest or joke.

Antonyms for насмешка:

• уважение (respect)
• сочувствие (sympathy)

Related Phrases:

• с насмешкой говорить - To speak with derision.
• издеваться над кем-то - To mock or deride someone (verb form of издевательство).
• глумиться над чем-то - To scoff at or deride something (verb form of глумление).

Usage Notes:

• "насмешка" is the most common and neutral term for "derision," suitable for most informal and semi-formal contexts.
• "издевательство" carries a stronger, often negative connotation, implying deliberate or cruel mockery, and is more formal.
• "глумление" is less frequent and often used in literary or formal contexts to describe scornful or gloating derision.
• Be mindful of the tone and context when choosing between these translations, as they vary in intensity and formality.

Common Errors:

1. Misusing "издевательство" in light contexts: English speakers might use "издевательство" for mild teasing, but this is incorrect as it implies harsh mockery. For light derision, use "насмешка." Example of error: "Его издевательство было дружелюбным" (incorrect); Correct: "Его насмешка была дружелюбной."

2. Overusing "глумление": This term is rare in casual speech and sounds overly formal or literary. Avoid it in everyday conversation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, mockery or derision ("насмешка") can sometimes be used humorously among close friends, but it is important to gauge the relationship and context, as it can easily be perceived as offensive. Public or excessive derision, especially in formal settings, is often frowned upon and considered disrespectful.

Related Concepts:

• сарказм (sarcasm)
• ирония (irony)
• презрение (contempt)