Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'derogate'

English Word: derogate

Key Russian Translations:

• унижать [uˈnʲiʐətʲ] - [Formal; Used in contexts involving belittling or demeaning]
• умалять [uˈmalʲɪtʲ] - [Formal; Used in legal or abstract contexts to imply diminishing or detracting from]

Frequency: Medium (The word is not everyday vocabulary but appears in formal writing, legal texts, or discussions on ethics.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for унижать; B2-C1 (Upper Intermediate) for умалять, as it involves nuanced legal or philosophical usage requiring familiarity with Russian verb conjugations and formal registers.

Pronunciation (Russian):

унижать: [uˈnʲiʐətʲ]

умалять: [uˈmalʲɪtʲ]

Note on унижать: The soft sign (ь) at the end affects the pronunciation, making the 't' sound palatalized; be careful with the stressed syllable for natural flow in speech.

Note on умалять: This verb has a rolling 'l' sound; practice with native speakers to master the subtle vowel shifts in different forms.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To disparage, belittle, or demean someone or something (primary meaning in everyday or ethical contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• унижать - Used in formal or emotional contexts to describe actions that lower someone's dignity, such as in interpersonal conflicts or criticisms.
• умалять - Applied in more abstract or legal scenarios, like diminishing the value of an idea or deviating from a standard.

Usage Examples:

• Он часто унижает своих коллег на собраниях, что приводит к конфликтам в команде.

  He often derogates his colleagues at meetings, which leads to conflicts in the team.

• Не стоит унижать чужое мнение, даже если оно отличается от вашего.

  It's not worth derogating someone else's opinion, even if it differs from yours.

• В контракте умаляется значение первоначального соглашения, что создаёт юридические проблемы.

  The contract derogates from the original agreement, creating legal issues.

• Умалять чужие достижения — это признак зависти и неуверенности в себе.

  Derogating others' achievements is a sign of envy and self-doubt.

• Она умаляет важность традиций, предпочитая современные подходы.

  She derogates the importance of traditions, favoring modern approaches.

2. To deviate from or detract from a standard, law, or principle (secondary, more legal meaning).

Translation(s) & Context:

• умалять - Common in legal or formal writing to indicate a reduction or departure from an established norm.
• унижать - Less common here, but used metaphorically in ethical discussions to imply undermining standards.

Usage Examples:

• Этот пункт умаляет основные права, указанные в конституции.

  This clause derogates from the fundamental rights outlined in the constitution.

• Умалять договорные обязательства может привести к судебным разбиратствам.

  Derogating from contractual obligations can lead to court proceedings.

• В некоторых случаях унижать авторитет закона недопустимо.

  In some cases, derogating from the authority of the law is unacceptable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both translations are verbs, so they follow Russian conjugation patterns. "Унижать" and "умалять" are imperfective verbs, which means they express ongoing or repeated actions. They undergo regular conjugation based on person, number, tense, and aspect. Below is a conjugation table for each in the present tense as examples:

Note: These verbs are regular in most aspects but may have variations in past tense (e.g., унижал for masculine past of унижать). They do not change in infinitive form.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Оскорблять (oskorblyat' - more direct, implying insult; often used in emotional contexts)
  • Принижать (prinizhivat' - similar to унижать, but with a focus on lowering status)
• Antonyms:
  • Уважать (uvazhat' - to respect)
  • Возвышать (vozvyšat' - to elevate or praise)

Related Phrases:

• Унижать достоинство - To derogate dignity; Used in discussions about human rights or personal respect.
• Умалять значение - To derogate the meaning; Common in legal or philosophical contexts to indicate undervaluing something.
• Принижать чужое мнение - To derogate someone else's opinion; A phrase for interpersonal communication etiquette.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "унижать" is the closest equivalent to the interpersonal sense of "derogate," emphasizing emotional or social belittlement, while "умалять" aligns with its legal or abstract sense of detracting from. Always consider the context: use "унижать" in ethical or daily conversations, but opt for "умалять" in formal documents. Note that Russian verbs require agreement in person, number, and tense, which can make them trickier for English speakers. If the context involves multiple people, ensure proper conjugation to avoid awkwardness.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "унижать" with "оскорблять": Learners might use "оскорблять" (to insult) interchangeably, but it implies a stronger, more direct attack. Error: "Он оскорбляет своих друзей" (when "derogate" means subtle belittling). Correct: "Он унижает своих друзей." Explanation: "Унижать" is less aggressive and fits gradual demeaning better.
• Improper conjugation: English speakers often forget tense changes. Error: Using infinitive "унижать" in a sentence like "Я унижать его" (incorrect). Correct: "Я унижаю его." Explanation: Russian verbs must be conjugated to match the subject.
• Overusing in informal settings: "Умалять" is formal; using it casually can sound out of place. Error: "Я умаляю твою идею в разговоре" in casual chat. Correct: Use "унижаю" or rephrase for informality.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "унижать" carry a strong connotation of social hierarchy and respect, influenced by historical contexts such as the Soviet era's emphasis on collective dignity. Using such terms can evoke sensitivities around personal honor, so they are often avoided in polite conversation to maintain harmony, reflecting Russia's value on mutual respect in social interactions.

Related Concepts:

• Презрение (prezrenie - contempt)
• Зависть (zavist' - envy)
• Достоинство (dostoinstvo - dignity)