Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'enmity'

English Word: enmity

Key Russian Translations:

• вражда /vrɐʐˈda/ - [Formal, often used in literary or diplomatic contexts]
• недружество /nʲɪdrʊˈʐestvə/ - [Formal, slightly less common, implying mutual unfriendliness]
• враждебность /vrɐʐˈdʲebnəstʲ/ - [Informal or neutral, emphasizing hostility in behavior]

Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are encountered in formal writing, literature, and discussions about international relations, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, based on CEFR; requires understanding of abstract nouns and Russian case systems. For 'вражда', it's B1; for 'недружество', it might be B2 due to less frequent usage.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

вражда: /vrɐʐˈda/ (The stress is on the second syllable; the 'ж' is a voiced fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'.)

недружество: /nʲɪdrʊˈʐestvə/ (Palatalized 'н' at the start; stress on the third syllable, with a soft 'е' sound.)

враждебность: /vrɐʐˈdʲebnəstʲ/ (Note the palatalized 'дʲ'; this can be tricky for learners due to the soft consonants.)

Note on вражда: Be cautious with the 'ж' sound, which doesn't exist in English; practice with native speakers to avoid pronouncing it as 'zh' in 'azure'. Variations in regional accents may soften the vowels.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. State of hostility or deep-seated animosity between individuals, groups, or nations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• вражда - Used in formal contexts, such as historical or political discussions, to describe long-term enmity.
• недружество - Applied in diplomatic or interpersonal settings where mutual dislike is evident but not violent.
• враждебность - Common in everyday contexts to denote active hostility or aggressive behavior.

Usage Examples:

• Между двумя странами существует давняя вражда, уходящая корнями в исторические конфликты.

  There is a long-standing enmity between the two countries, rooted in historical conflicts.

• Его недружество к бывшему партнеру проявлялось в каждом их разговоре.

  His enmity toward his former partner was evident in every conversation they had.

• Враждебность в его взгляде ясно указывала на глубокую неприязнь.

  The enmity in his gaze clearly indicated deep-seated animosity.

• Несмотря на вражду, дипломаты старались найти общий язык для мира.

  Despite the enmity, diplomats tried to find common ground for peace.

• Эта вражда между семьями передавалась из поколения в поколение.

  This enmity between families has been passed down from generation to generation.

2. A feeling of active opposition or resentment (less common, more emotional nuance).

Translation(s) & Context:

• враждебность - Best for emotional or psychological contexts, such as personal relationships.
• недружество - Used when enmity is more passive or situational.

Usage Examples:

• Её враждебность к критикам не позволяла ей принять конструктивную обратную связь.

  Her enmity toward critics prevented her from accepting constructive feedback.

• В этом споре проявилось недружество, которое долго зрело в их отношениях.

  In this argument, the enmity that had been brewing in their relationship became evident.

• Вражда в его сердце была вызвана предательством друга.

  The enmity in his heart was triggered by his friend's betrayal.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

All key translations are nouns. 'Вражда' is a feminine noun of the third declension, which follows regular patterns but has some irregularities in plural forms. 'Недружество' and 'враждебность' are neuter nouns with standard inflections.

Note: These nouns do not change in gender or have verbal inflections, but always adjust for case in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • ненависть (stronger emotional hatred; often used for personal feelings)
  • враждебность (as above, but with a behavioral focus)
  • антagonизм (more intellectual opposition, in philosophical contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • дружба (friendship; implies positive relations)
  • приязнь (affection or goodwill; less formal)
  • согласие (agreement or harmony; used in conflict resolution)

Related Phrases:

• заклятая вражда - A sworn or bitter enmity; often used in literary contexts to describe unbreakable hostility.
• международная вражда - International enmity; refers to conflicts between nations.
• личное недружество - Personal enmity; highlights individual-level animosity.

Usage Notes:

'Вражда' is the most direct translation for 'enmity' in formal English-Russian contexts, such as diplomacy or history, but 'недружество' might be preferred for subtler interpersonal dynamics. Always consider the context: Russian nouns require correct case agreement, e.g., use genitive for possession ("вражды между странами"). For learners, choose 'вражда' for abstract concepts and 'враждебность' for active emotions. Avoid direct word-for-word translation; Russian often emphasizes relationships through prepositions like 'между' (between).

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'вражда' interchangeably with 'вражеский' (adjective for 'enemy-like'). Correct: 'Вражда' is a noun; for example, say "Он чувствует вражду" (He feels enmity), not "Он вражеский".
• Mistake: Forgetting case changes, e.g., saying "в вражда" instead of "в вражде" in prepositional case. Correct: Use "в вражде" for "in enmity". Explanation: Russian requires nouns to inflect based on their role in the sentence, which English speakers often overlook.
• Mistake: Overusing 'ненависть' as a synonym; it's stronger and more emotional. Correct: Opt for 'вражда' for neutral enmity, as in "Между ними вражда" instead of "Между ними ненависть".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'вражда' often carry historical connotations, such as the enmities depicted in literature by authors like Tolstoy (e.g., in "War and Peace"), where family or national rivalries reflect deep societal divides. This reflects Russia's emphasis on collective history and enduring grudges, contrasting with more individualistic Western views of enmity.

Related Concepts:

• конфликт (conflict)
• война (war)
• неприязнь (dislike)
• антагонизм (antagonism)