Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Derogatory'

English Word: derogatory

Key Russian Translations:

• уничижительный [ʊnʲɪt͡ɕɪˈʐɨtʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• оскорбительный [ɐskɐrˈbʲitʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal/Informal, Adjective]
• пренебрежительный [prʲɪnʲɪbrʲɪˈʐɨtʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for all translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

уничижительный: [ʊnʲɪt͡ɕɪˈʐɨtʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on уничижительный: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The "ж" sound is a voiced retroflex fricative, which may be challenging for non-native speakers.

оскорбительный: [ɐskɐrˈbʲitʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on оскорбительный: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft "б" sound.

пренебрежительный: [prʲɪnʲɪbrʲɪˈʐɨtʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on пренебрежительный: Stress on the fifth syllable. The cluster "бр" requires clear articulation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Expressing Disrespect or Criticism

Translation(s) & Context:

• уничижительный - Often used in formal or written contexts to describe language or tone that belittles someone or something.
• оскорбительный - Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something insulting or offensive.

Usage Examples:

• Его уничижительный тон обидел всех присутствующих.

  His derogatory tone offended everyone present.

• Она сделала оскорбительный комментарий о моей работе.

  She made a derogatory comment about my work.

• Уничижительные замечания неуместны в профессиональной среде.

  Derogatory remarks are inappropriate in a professional environment.

2. Showing a Lack of Respect or Scorn

Translation(s) & Context:

• пренебрежительный - Used to describe an attitude or tone of disdain or contempt, often in formal or literary contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Он говорил с пренебрежительным отношением к новичкам.

  He spoke with a derogatory attitude toward the newcomers.

• Её пренебрежительный взгляд был заметен всем.

  Her derogatory look was noticeable to everyone.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All translations are adjectives and follow standard Russian adjective declension patterns based on gender, number, and case. Below is the declension for уничижительный as an example:

Note: Similar declension patterns apply to оскорбительный and пренебрежительный.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for уничижительный/оскорбительный:

• презрительный (contemptuous)
• обидный (offensive)

Antonyms for уничижительный/оскорбительный:

• уважительный (respectful)
• комплиментарный (complimentary)

Related Phrases:

• уничижительный тон - derogatory tone (used to describe a belittling manner of speaking)
• оскорбительное замечание - derogatory/insulting remark (common in discussions of inappropriate comments)
• пренебрежительное отношение - derogatory attitude (used to describe disdainful behavior)

Usage Notes:

• уничижительный is more formal and often used in written or academic contexts to describe language or tone that diminishes value or status.
• оскорбительный is broader and can be used in everyday speech to describe anything offensive or insulting.
• пренебрежительный emphasizes disdain or scorn, often relating to attitude rather than direct insults.
• Choose the translation based on the context: for direct insults, use оскорбительный; for subtle belittling, use уничижительный or пренебрежительный.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using уничижительный in casual conversation. This word is formal and may sound unnatural in informal settings. Incorrect: Он сказал это уничижительно на вечеринке. Correct: Он сказал это оскорбительно на вечеринке. (He said it in a derogatory way at the party.)
• Error: Confusing пренебрежительный with оскорбительный. The former implies disdain, while the latter implies an insult. Incorrect: Его оскорбительный взгляд раздражал. Correct: Его пренебрежительный взгляд раздражал. (His derogatory look was annoying.)

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, direct derogatory language (оскорбительный) can be considered highly offensive, especially in formal or public settings. Russians often value politeness and may use indirect or subtle criticism (пренебрежительный tone) to express disapproval without overt confrontation. Understanding the context and relationship between speakers is crucial when using or interpreting such terms.

Related Concepts:

• презрение (contempt)
• оскорбление (insult)
• неуважение (disrespect)