Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'devotion'

English Word: devotion

Key Russian Translations:

• преданность [prʲɪˈdanːəsʲtʲ] - [Formal/Informal, Often used for loyalty or dedication]
• отдача [ɐtˈdatɕə] - [Informal, Often used for emotional or effort-based commitment]
• благочестие [bləɡɐˈtɕestʲɪjə] - [Formal, Religious context, Devotion to faith]

Frequency: Medium (Common in specific contexts like relationships or religion)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate; varies by translation: "преданность" - B1, "благочестие" - B2)

Pronunciation (Russian):

преданность: [prʲɪˈdanːəsʲtʲ]

Note on преданность: Stress falls on the second syllable; the "д" is palatalized, which may be tricky for non-native speakers.

отдача: [ɐtˈdatɕə]

Note on отдача: The "ч" sound is softer than English "ch"; stress is on the second syllable.

благочестие: [bləɡɐˈtɕestʲɪjə]

Note on благочестие: A longer word with stress on the third syllable; often used in formal or religious texts.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Loyalty or Dedication (to a person, cause, or idea)

Translation(s) & Context:

• преданность - Used to express deep loyalty or commitment, often in personal or professional relationships.

Usage Examples:

• Его преданность семье была непоколебимой.

  His devotion to his family was unshakable.

• Преданность делу вдохновляет окружающих.

  Devotion to a cause inspires those around you.

• Она проявила преданность в трудные времена.

  She showed devotion in tough times.

2. Effort or Emotional Commitment

Translation(s) & Context:

• отдача - Refers to giving oneself fully, often emotionally or through effort, to something or someone.

Usage Examples:

• Он работает с полной отдачей.

  He works with full devotion.

• Её отдача в этом проекте невероятна.

  Her devotion to this project is incredible.

3. Religious or Spiritual Dedication

Translation(s) & Context:

• благочестие - Used specifically for devotion in a religious or spiritual sense.

Usage Examples:

• Его благочестие трогает всех в церкви.

  His devotion touches everyone in the church.

• Благочестие требует ежедневной молитвы.

  Devotion requires daily prayer.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

преданность (Feminine Noun): Follows the standard declension for feminine nouns ending in -ость.

Case	Singular
Nominative	преданность
Genitive	преданности
Dative	преданности
Accusative	преданность
Instrumental	преданностью
Prepositional	преданности

отдача (Feminine Noun): Follows a similar feminine declension pattern as above.

благочестие (Neuter Noun): Follows neuter noun declension rules for nouns ending in -ие.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for преданность:

• верность
• лояльность

Note: "верность" is more commonly used for fidelity in relationships, while "лояльность" is often used in formal or business contexts.

Antonyms for преданность:

• измена
• предательство

Related Phrases:

• полная преданность - Complete devotion (often to a person or cause).
• отдача на все сто - Giving 100% devotion (colloquial, effort-based).
• жить в благочестии - To live in devotion (religious context).

Usage Notes:

• "преданность" is the most versatile and widely used translation for "devotion," suitable for both personal and abstract contexts.
• "отдача" emphasizes effort or emotional investment and is less formal than "преданность."
• "благочестие" is restricted to religious or spiritual devotion and should not be used in secular contexts.
• Be mindful of the context when choosing between translations, as they are not interchangeable.

Common Errors:

Error 1: Using "благочестие" in non-religious contexts.

Incorrect: Его благочестие к работе впечатляет. (His devotion to work is impressive.)

Correct: Его преданность работе впечатляет.

Explanation: "благочестие" is strictly religious and sounds unnatural outside spiritual contexts.

Error 2: Misusing "отдача" for loyalty-based devotion.

Incorrect: Её отдача другу была трогательной. (Her devotion to her friend was touching.)

Correct: Её преданность другу была трогательной.

Explanation: "отдача" implies effort or output, not loyalty or emotional attachment in this sense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "преданность" (devotion) is highly valued, especially in familial and romantic relationships, as well as in historical narratives of loyalty to the homeland. The concept often carries a deeper emotional weight than in English, reflecting a cultural emphasis on steadfastness and sacrifice.

Related Concepts:

• верность (fidelity)
• долг (duty)
• жертвенность (self-sacrifice)