Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'extravagance'

English Word: extravagance

Key Russian Translations:

• экстравагантность [ˌɛkstrɐvɐˈɡantnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, often used in literary or descriptive contexts]
• роскошь [ˈrɔskəʂʲ] - [Informal, when emphasizing luxury rather than eccentricity]

Frequency: Medium (Common in written Russian, such as literature and media, but less frequent in everyday spoken language)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with borrowed words and nominal forms; for 'роскошь', also B2 due to its versatile usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

экстравагантность: [ˌɛkstrɐvɐˈɡantnəsʲtʲ]

роскошь: [ˈrɔskəʂʲ]

Note on экстравагантность: The stress falls on the fourth syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 't' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Variations may occur in fast speech.

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Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Excessive or wasteful spending, often implying luxury or ostentation.

Translation(s) & Context:

• экстравагантность - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe eccentric or extravagant behavior, such as in fashion or lifestyle.
• роскошь - Applied in everyday contexts for material luxury, like expensive items, but can overlap with extravagance in consumer settings.

Usage Examples:

• Его экстравагантность в покупках новых гаджетов каждый месяц удивляет друзей.

  His extravagance in buying new gadgets every month surprises his friends.

• Эта роскошь в интерьере дома отражает ее любовь к экстравагантности.

  This luxury in the home's interior reflects her love for extravagance.

• В эпоху советского дефицита, такая экстравагантность была редкостью.

  In the era of Soviet shortages, such extravagance was a rarity.

• Роскошь ее вечернего платья подчеркивает ее экстравагантность на вечеринке.

  The luxury of her evening dress highlights her extravagance at the party.

• Из-за своей экстравагантности он часто попадает в финансовые трудности.

  Because of his extravagance, he often gets into financial difficulties.

Meaning 2: Something that is elaborate, showy, or beyond the ordinary.

Translation(s) & Context:

• экстравагантность - In artistic or cultural contexts, to denote unconventional or flamboyant styles.
• роскошь - Less common here, but used for opulent displays in design or events.

Usage Examples:

• Экстравагантность дизайна этого здания делает его узнаваемым в городе.

  The extravagance of this building's design makes it recognizable in the city.

• Роскошь и экстравагантность свадебного торжества поразили гостей.

  The luxury and extravagance of the wedding celebration amazed the guests.

• В ее экстравагантности есть что-то привлекательное, несмотря на критику.

  There's something appealing in her extravagance, despite the criticism.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'экстравагантность' and 'роскошь' are feminine nouns in Russian, following standard declension patterns for third-declension nouns.

For 'экстравагантность' (feminine, abstract noun):

For 'роскошь' (also feminine, but with slight irregularities in plural forms):

These nouns do not change for gender but follow regular patterns; 'роскошь' is invariant in some contexts when used metaphorically.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • растоочительность (implies wastefulness, similar to extravagance in financial contexts)
  • роскошь (overlaps but focuses more on opulence)
  • помпезность (emphasizes showiness or grandeur)
• Antonyms:
  • скромность (modesty)
  • экономность (economy or frugality)

Related Phrases:

• проявление экстравагантности - Manifestation of extravagance; used to describe outward displays in behavior or style.
• роскошь жизни - Luxury of life; a common phrase for a lavish lifestyle.
• экстравагантный образ жизни - Extravagant way of life; often in discussions of wealth and excess.

Usage Notes:

'Экстравагантность' is a direct borrowing from English/French and is best used in formal or written contexts to convey a sense of eccentricity or excess, mirroring the English 'extravagance'. In contrast, 'роскошь' is more neutral and everyday, focusing on material wealth. Choose 'экстравагантность' for artistic or psychological discussions, and 'роскошь' for consumer or descriptive scenarios. Be aware of grammatical gender (feminine) and ensure correct declension in sentences. For English learners, note that Russian often pairs these words with adjectives like 'бесполезная' (useless) to add nuance.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'экстравагантность' interchangeably with 'роскошь' without context. Incorrect: "Его роскошь в еде" (if meaning eccentricity). Correct: "Его экстравагантность в еде". Explanation: 'Роскошь' implies luxury, not oddity, so it may not fit contexts of behavioral extravagance.
• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., saying "в экстравагантность" instead of "в экстравагантности". Incorrect: "Я увидел экстравагантность". Correct: "Я увидел экстравагантность" (in nominative), but adjust for other cases. Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case, which English speakers often overlook.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'экстравагантность' often carries a connotation of Western influence or modernity, stemming from historical borrowings during the 19th-century reforms. It can symbolize rebellion against traditional modesty, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works, where extravagance contrasts with rural simplicity. 'Роскошь' may evoke Soviet-era critiques of capitalism, highlighting social inequalities in contemporary discussions.

Related Concepts:

• люкс (luxury in a material sense)
• помпа (pomp or grandeur)
• расточительство (prodigality)