Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Despicable'

English Word: despicable

Key Russian Translations:

• презренный [prʲɪˈzrʲenːɨj] - [Formal, Often literary]
• отвратительный [ɐtˈvratʲɪtʲɪlʲnɨj] - [Informal, Emotional]
• подлый [ˈpodlɨj] - [Informal, Strong negative connotation]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in specific contexts)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies slightly by translation)

Pronunciation (Russian):

презренный: [prʲɪˈzrʲenːɨj]

Note on презренный: Stress falls on the second syllable; the double "н" sound is slightly prolonged.

отвратительный: [ɐtˈvratʲɪtʲɪlʲnɨj]

Note on отвратительный: Stress on the second syllable; the "р" sound is rolled.

подлый: [ˈpodlɨj]

Note on подлый: Stress on the first syllable; short and sharp pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Worthy of contempt or scorn (moral judgment)

Translation(s) & Context:

• презренный - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone or something deserving contempt.
• подлый - Often used to describe morally low or treacherous behavior, with a strong negative tone.

Usage Examples:

• Его поступок был презренным и недостойным.

  His action was despicable and unworthy.

• Какой подлый человек! Он обманул всех нас.

  What a despicable person! He deceived all of us.

• Презренный лжец не заслуживает доверия.

  A despicable liar does not deserve trust.

2. Causing disgust or revulsion (emotional reaction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отвратительный - Used to express disgust or strong dislike, often in informal or emotional contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Этот отвратительный поступок шокировал всех.

  This despicable act shocked everyone.

• Его поведение было просто отвратительным.

  His behavior was simply despicable.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

презренный (adjective): Follows standard adjective declension rules based on gender, number, and case.

отвратительный (adjective): Follows similar adjective declension patterns as above.

подлый (adjective): Follows standard adjective declension rules as well.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for презренный:

• ничтожный (insignificant, contemptible)
• жалкий (pitiful, pathetic)

Synonyms for отвратительный:

• омерзительный (repulsive)
• гадкий (disgusting)

Antonyms:

• достойный (worthy)
• уважаемый (respected)

Related Phrases:

• презренный поступок - "a despicable act" (used to describe morally reprehensible behavior)
• отвратительное поведение - "despicable behavior" (used to express disgust at someone’s actions)
• подлый обман - "despicable deception" (used for treacherous or dishonest acts)

Usage Notes:

• презренный is more formal and often used in written or literary contexts to convey deep contempt.
• отвратительный carries a strong emotional tone and is commonly used in spoken language to express disgust.
• подлый implies moral baseness or treachery and is often used in personal criticism.
• Choosing between these translations depends on the context and tone; for moral judgment, use презренный or подлый, while for emotional disgust, use отвратительный.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Using отвратительный when a moral judgment is intended, e.g., "Его отвратительный обман" may sound less serious than "Его подлый обман".

Correction: Use подлый for betrayal or deceit to convey the moral weight.

Error 2: Misplacing stress in pronunciation, e.g., stressing the wrong syllable in презренный.

Correction: Ensure stress is on the second syllable: [prʲɪˈzrʲenːɨj].

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like подлый carry a heavy moral judgment and can be quite offensive if used directly against someone. It often implies betrayal or dishonor, which are deeply frowned upon in personal and social contexts. Use with caution in direct confrontation.

Related Concepts:

• бесчестный (dishonorable)
• низкий (low, base)
• гнусный (vile)