Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'elitism'

English Word: elitism

Key Russian Translations:

• элитизм [ɪˈlʲitʲɪzm] - [Formal, used in academic or political discussions]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in discussions of politics, sociology, and culture, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding abstract concepts and vocabulary related to social structures; requires familiarity with Russian nominal inflections)

Pronunciation (Russian):

элитизм: [ɪˈlʲitʲɪzm]

Note on элитизм: The stress falls on the second syllable ("li"), and the palatalized "lʲ" sound is a common feature in Russian that English speakers may find challenging. Pronounce it with a soft, fronted "l" as in "leaf".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The belief that a society or system should be controlled by an elite group, often based on perceived superior qualities such as intellect, wealth, or education.

Translation(s) & Context:

• элитизм - Used in formal contexts like political debates or sociological analyses, where it refers to the advocacy of elite dominance in society.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе элитизм часто приводит к социальному неравенству.

  In modern society, elitism often leads to social inequality.

• Критики элитизма утверждают, что он подрывает демократические принципы.

  Critics of elitism argue that it undermines democratic principles.

• Элитизм в образовании может ограничить доступ к знаниям для менее privileged групп.

  Elitism in education can limit access to knowledge for less privileged groups.

• В историческом контексте элитизм был характерен для аристократических обществ.

  In a historical context, elitism was characteristic of aristocratic societies.

• Элитизм иногда проявляется в корпоративной культуре, где решения принимают только высшие руководители.

  Elitism sometimes manifests in corporate culture, where decisions are made only by top executives.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Элитизм" is a masculine noun in Russian (from the borrowed word "elitism"), and it follows the standard patterns of third-declension nouns with some irregularities due to its foreign origin. It is indeclinable in most cases, meaning it does not change form in different grammatical cases, which is common for modern loanwords.

Note: While "элитизм" can be pluralized as "элитизмы," it is often used in singular form in discussions. This makes it relatively straightforward for learners compared to fully inflected native nouns.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • элитарность (elitarity) - Emphasizes the quality of being elite, often in a more abstract sense.
  • аристократизм (aristocratism) - Used when referring to historical or social elitism tied to nobility.
• Antonyms:
  • демократизм (democratism) - Refers to the advocacy of equal participation, contrasting with elite exclusivity.
  • эгалитаризм (egalitarianism) - Highlights equality and opposes hierarchical structures.

Related Phrases:

• Элитизм в политике (Elitism in politics) - Refers to the dominance of elite groups in political decision-making.
• Культурный элитизм (Cultural elitism) - Describes the belief that certain cultural forms are superior, often excluding mass culture.
• Элитизм и меритократия (Elitism and meritocracy) - A phrase used to discuss systems where elite status is based on merit, with potential overlaps or conflicts.

Usage Notes:

"Элитизм" directly corresponds to the English "elitism" as a concept, but in Russian, it is typically used in formal, written contexts such as essays, academic papers, or news articles on social issues. Be cautious with its connotations in Russian discourse, where it often carries a negative undertone due to historical associations with pre-revolutionary aristocracy or Soviet-era criticisms. When choosing between synonyms like "элитарность," opt for it if focusing on inherent qualities rather than systemic beliefs. Grammatically, ensure it agrees with case and number in sentences, though its indeclinable nature simplifies usage for beginners.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "элитизм" with "элита" (elite, as a noun). Incorrect: "Элита означает элитизм" (wrongly equating the group with the ideology). Correct: "Элита часто ассоциируется с элитизмом" (The elite is often associated with elitism). Explanation: "Элита" refers to the group itself, while "элитизм" is the belief system; learners must distinguish to avoid oversimplification.

• Overusing in informal speech. Incorrect: Casually saying "Это элитизм!" in everyday talk (which sounds unnatural). Correct: Reserve it for formal contexts, like "В этой компании проявляется элитизм." Explanation: Russian speakers prefer everyday alternatives in casual settings, so misuse can make language sound forced.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "элитизм" is often linked to historical contexts like the Tsarist era's aristocracy or the Soviet intelligentsia's role, where elite groups held significant power. Post-Soviet discussions frequently critique elitism as a barrier to social mobility, reflecting ongoing tensions between traditional hierarchies and modern democratic ideals. Understanding this helps English speakers grasp why the term carries a more critical tone in Russian media and literature.

Related Concepts:

• элита (elite)
• социальное неравенство (social inequality)
• меритократия (meritocracy)
• демократия (democracy)