Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Despotism'

English Word: Despotism

Key Russian Translations:

• Деспотизм [dʲɪsˈpotʲɪzm] - [Formal, Neutral]
• Самодержавие [səmədʲɪrˈʒavʲɪjə] - [Formal, Historical]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

Деспотизм: [dʲɪsˈpotʲɪzm]

Note on Деспотизм: Stress falls on the second syllable. The 'д' is pronounced with a soft 'dʲ' sound, typical in Russian.

Самодержавие: [səmədʲɪrˈʒavʲɪjə]

Note on Самодержавие: Stress falls on the fourth syllable. The word has a historical tone and is longer, often challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Absolute power or control by a ruler (Political Context)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Деспотизм - Commonly used in political discussions to describe oppressive rule.
• Самодержавие - Refers specifically to autocracy, often associated with historical Russian governance (e.g., Tsarist rule).

Usage Examples:

• Деспотизм правителя привёл к восстанию народа.

  The despotism of the ruler led to a popular uprising.

• Самодержавие в России закончилось в начале XX века.

  Autocracy in Russia ended in the early 20th century.

• Его стиль управления можно назвать деспотизмом.

  His management style can be called despotism.

• Самодержавие часто ассоциируется с абсолютной монархией.

  Autocracy is often associated with absolute monarchy.

• Деспотизм подавляет свободу слова.

  Despotism suppresses freedom of speech.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Деспотизм (Masculine Noun):

Note: No plural form as it is an abstract concept.

Самодержавие (Neuter Noun):

Note: No plural form as it is an abstract concept.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for Деспотизм:

• Тирания
• Авторитаризм

Note: "Тирания" often implies harsher oppression, while "Авторитаризм" is broader and less emotionally charged.

Antonyms for Деспотизм:

• Демократия
• Свобода

Related Phrases:

• Деспотизм власти - Despotism of power (refers to oppressive governmental control).
• Самодержавие царя - Autocracy of the tsar (historical context, referring to tsarist rule).

Usage Notes:

• "Деспотизм" is the more general and commonly used term for despotism in modern Russian, applicable to both political and personal contexts (e.g., a despotic boss).
• "Самодержавие" is more specific to historical or political autocracy, often tied to the concept of absolute monarchy in Russian history. It is less common in everyday speech.
• Both terms are formal and typically used in written or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Самодержавие" to describe a non-political context (e.g., a despotic teacher).
  Correct Usage: Use "Деспотизм" for non-political or metaphorical contexts.
  Incorrect Example: Самодержавие учителя.
  Correct Example: Деспотизм учителя.
• Error: Mispronouncing "Деспотизм" by stressing the first syllable.
  Correct Usage: Stress the second syllable [dʲɪsˈpotʲɪzm].

Cultural Notes:

The term "Самодержавие" carries significant historical weight in Russian culture, as it was an official term used during the Tsarist era to describe the absolute power of the monarch. It is often discussed in the context of Russian history and literature, reflecting centuries of autocratic rule. Understanding this term provides insight into Russia's political past.

Related Concepts:

• Автократия
• Монархия
• Репрессия