Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fatalism'

English Word: fatalism

Key Russian Translations:

• фатализм [fɐˈtalʲɪzm] - [Formal, Philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in philosophical, literary, and academic discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and noun declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of Russian grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

фатализм: [fɐˈtalʲɪzm]

Note on фатализм: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tal"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the soft 'л' sound (palatalized 'l'). Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The belief that events are predetermined and human beings are powerless to change them

Translation(s) & Context:

• фатализм - Used in formal or philosophical contexts to describe a worldview accepting fate as inevitable, often in discussions of life, destiny, or ethics.

Usage Examples:

• В русской литературе фатализм часто отражает глубокий пессимизм персонажей. (V russkoy literature fatalizm chasto otrazhaet glubokiy pessimizm personazhey.)

  In Russian literature, fatalism often reflects the deep pessimism of characters.

• Его фатализм помешал ему бороться за лучшую жизнь. (Yego fatalizm pomeshal yemu borot'sya za luchshuyu zhizn'.)

  His fatalism prevented him from fighting for a better life.

• Философы обсуждают фатализм как альтернативу свободной воле. (Filosofy obsuzhdayut fatalizm kak alternativu svobodnoy vole.)

  Philosophers discuss fatalism as an alternative to free will.

• В повседневной жизни фатализм может привести к апатии. (V povsednevnoy zhizni fatalizm mozhet privesti k apatii.)

  In everyday life, fatalism can lead to apathy.

• Она приняла фатализм после серии неудач. (Ona prinyala fatalizm posle serii neudach.)

  She accepted fatalism after a series of failures.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Фатализм" is a masculine noun (masc. inanimate) in Russian, which follows the standard declension pattern for nouns ending in -изм. It is invariable in the plural form as it is typically used in singular contexts, but it changes according to grammatical cases in singular. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not have a plural form in most contexts, as it refers to an abstract concept. If used in plural (rarely), it would follow the same pattern but is uncommon.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • предопределенность (predeterminedness; emphasizes inevitability without the philosophical depth)
  • детерминизм (determinism; similar but more scientific in connotation)
• Antonyms:
  • свободная воля (free will; highlights human agency and choice)
  • волюнтаризм (voluntarism; stresses active decision-making)

Related Phrases:

• принимать фатализм (prinimat' fatalizm) - To accept fatalism; used when someone resigns to their fate.
• фатализм судьбы (fatalizm sud'by) - Fatalism of fate; a phrase often in literary contexts to describe inevitable destiny.
• бороться с фатализмом (borot'sya s fatalizmom) - To fight against fatalism; implies resistance to a defeatist attitude.

Usage Notes:

"Фатализм" directly corresponds to the English "fatalism" in philosophical and literary contexts, but it is more commonly used in formal Russian than in casual speech. English learners should note that it often appears in singular form and requires correct case endings based on sentence structure (e.g., in genitive for possession). When choosing between synonyms like "предопределенность," opt for "фатализм" if the context is explicitly philosophical. Be mindful of cultural nuances, as this word can carry a tone of resignation, which might not translate directly in optimistic English discussions.

Common Errors:

• Common Error: Using the wrong case, e.g., saying "Я верю в фатализм" correctly, but mistakenly using "фатализма" in nominative contexts. Incorrect: "Я думаю о фатализма" (wrong case). Correct: "Я думаю о фатализме" (prepositional case). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case with prepositions; this error stems from not learning declensions.

• Common Error: Confusing it with "детерминизм" and using them interchangeably. Incorrect: Treating "фатализм" as purely scientific. Correct: Use "фатализм" for philosophical fate and "детерминизм" for causal determinism. Explanation: These words overlap but have distinct connotations; misuse can lead to imprecise communication.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "фатализм" is often linked to literary works by authors like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy, where it reflects themes of suffering and inevitability. This concept resonates with the historical Russian experience of hardship, such as during wars or revolutions, fostering a worldview of endurance rather than resistance, which can differ from Western emphases on individualism and free will.

Related Concepts:

• судьба (fate)
• детерминизм (determinism)
• провидение (providence)