Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'eugenic'

English Word: eugenic

Key Russian Translations:

• эвгенический /ɛvɡeˈnʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/ - [Formal] [Specialized terminology in scientific or historical contexts]
• эвгенистический /ɛvɡeˈnʲistʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/ - [Formal] [Less common variant, used in philosophical or ethical discussions]

Frequency: Low (This term is rarely used in everyday Russian conversation; it appears primarily in academic, historical, or scientific texts related to genetics and social sciences.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1-C2) (Requires familiarity with specialized vocabulary in biology and ethics; learners at intermediate levels may struggle with its nuanced connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эвгенический: /ɛvɡeˈnʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/

эвгенистический: /ɛvɡeˈnʲistʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj/

Note on эвгенический: The stress falls on the third syllable ("nʲit͡ɕ"), and the palatalized 'нʲ' can be tricky for English speakers; it sounds like a soft 'n' followed by a 'y' glide. Practice with native speakers to master the rapid consonant clusters.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Relating to eugenics, the study or practice of improving the human race through selective breeding or genetic manipulation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• эвгенический - Used in formal scientific or historical contexts to describe policies or theories aimed at enhancing human genetics, often with ethical implications.
• эвгенистический - Applied in broader philosophical discussions, emphasizing the ideological aspects of eugenics movements.

Usage Examples:

• Эвгенический подход к здравоохранению был популярен в начале XX века, но теперь считается этически проблематичным.

  A eugenic approach to healthcare was popular in the early 20th century, but it is now considered ethically problematic.

• В некоторых странах эвгенический контроль использовался для ограничения иммиграции на основе генетических критериев.

  In some countries, eugenic control was used to restrict immigration based on genetic criteria.

• Современные дебаты о генной инженерии часто затрагивают эвгенистический аспект, поднимая вопросы о морали.

  Modern debates about genetic engineering often touch on the eugenic aspect, raising moral questions.

• Эвгенический отбор в животноводстве аналогичен методам, применяемым в человеческой популяции в прошлом.

  Eugenic selection in animal breeding is similar to methods applied to human populations in the past.

• Критики эвгенического движения подчеркивают его потенциал для дискриминации на основе расы или инвалидности.

  Critics of the eugenic movement emphasize its potential for discrimination based on race or disability.

Secondary Meaning: Pertaining to the promotion of desirable traits in populations (e.g., in a metaphorical or non-scientific sense).

Translation(s) & Context:

• эвгенический - In metaphorical contexts, such as social policy discussions, to imply selective improvement without direct scientific reference.

Usage Examples:

• Эвгенический аспект образования фокусируется на развитии талантов у одаренных детей.

  The eugenic aspect of education focuses on developing talents in gifted children.

• В этой утопической повести автор описывает эвгенический мир, где генетика определяет социальный статус.

  In this utopian novel, the author describes a eugenic world where genetics determines social status.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "эвгенический" and "эвгенистический" are adjectives in Russian and follow the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. They inflect based on gender, number, and case, which is regular for most Russian adjectives. Here's a breakdown in a table:

Note: These forms are regular and do not have irregularities, making them straightforward for learners once basic adjective declension is understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • генетический (genetic) - More general term, often used interchangeably in scientific contexts but lacks the ethical baggage.
  • селекционный (selective) - Focuses on breeding aspects, with a neutral connotation in agriculture.
• Antonyms:
  • дисгенный (dysgenic) - Refers to factors that lead to genetic deterioration, often in opposition to eugenic ideas.
  • натуральный (natural) - Implies unaltered, organic processes, contrasting with artificial selection.

Related Phrases:

• Эвгеническая политика - Eugenic policy (Refers to government programs promoting selective breeding or genetic enhancement.)
• Эвгенический отбор - Eugenic selection (Used in contexts of choosing traits for improvement, often historically.)
• Современная эвгеника - Modern eugenics (Discusses contemporary debates on genetic editing, with ethical implications.)

Usage Notes:

This term corresponds closely to the English "eugenic" in meaning, but in Russian, it carries strong historical and negative connotations due to its association with 20th-century atrocities, such as those under Nazi Germany. Use "эвгенический" in formal, academic writing only, and avoid it in casual conversation to prevent misunderstandings. When choosing between translations, opt for "эвгенический" for scientific contexts and "эвгенистический" for ideological ones. Grammatically, always decline it according to Russian adjective rules to ensure agreement with nouns.

• Be cautious with cultural sensitivity; this word can evoke controversy.
• In sentences, it often pairs with nouns like "подход" (approach) or "движение" (movement).

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse "эвгенический" by treating it as an invariant word, forgetting to decline it. For example:

• Error: "Я изучаю эвгенический наука" (Incorrect; fails to decline the adjective.)
• Correct: "Я изучаю эвгеническую науку" (Properly declined for feminine noun "наука".)

Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree in case, number, and gender with the nouns they modify. Another common mistake is confusing it with "генетический," leading to imprecise translations; always check the context for ethical undertones.

Cultural Notes:

The term "эвгенический" is deeply tied to the history of eugenics in Russia and the Soviet Union, where it was linked to early 20th-century scientific movements but later discredited due to its role in discriminatory practices during World War II. In modern Russian culture, it evokes memories of state-controlled genetics programs, making it a sensitive topic in discussions about bioethics and human rights.

Related Concepts:

• генетика (genetics)
• биоэтика (bioethics)
• селекция (selection)
• эволюция (evolution)