Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'feebleminded'

English Word: feebleminded

Key Russian Translations:

• Слабоумный /slɐˈboumnɨj/ - [Formal, Medical context; Note: This term is outdated and potentially offensive, used primarily in professional settings]

Frequency: Low (This term is rarely used in modern Russian due to its sensitive and stigmatizing nature; it's more common in historical or medical literature.)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; Learners need familiarity with psychological terminology and adjective inflections, making it challenging for beginners.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Слабоумный: /slɐˈboumnɨj/

Note on Слабоумный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("oum"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian-specific vowel reductions. Pronounce the 'ы' as a short, centralized vowel similar to the 'i' in "bit".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Intellectually deficient or mentally slow (often outdated and derogatory in English; use with caution).

Translation(s) & Context:

• Слабоумный - Used in formal, medical, or historical contexts to describe someone with intellectual disabilities; avoid in casual conversation due to stigma.

Usage Examples:

• Врачи диагностировали его как слабоумного в раннем детстве.

  Doctors diagnosed him as feebleminded in early childhood.

• Этот термин "слабоумный" редко используется в повседневной речи из-за его негативных коннотаций.

  This term "feebleminded" is rarely used in everyday speech due to its negative connotations.

• В старых медицинских текстах слабоумный описывается как состояние, требующее специальной заботы.

  In old medical texts, feebleminded is described as a condition requiring special care.

• Она отказалась использовать слово "слабоумный", предпочитая более нейтральные термины.

  She refused to use the word "feebleminded," preferring more neutral terms.

• Слабоумный персонаж в романе символизирует уязвимость общества.

  The feebleminded character in the novel symbolizes society's vulnerability.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Слабоумный" is an adjective in Russian, which means it undergoes regular inflection for gender, number, and case. It follows the standard pattern for first-declension adjectives. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This adjective is regular, so it follows standard rules without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Умственно отсталый (intellectually backward; similar but more clinical, often used in modern contexts)
  • Недоразвитый (underdeveloped; less stigmatizing, applied to intellectual aspects)
• Antonyms:
  • Умный (intelligent; direct opposite, used in everyday language)
  • Талантливый (talented; emphasizes positive cognitive abilities)

Related Phrases:

• Слабоумный человек - A feebleminded person (Used in medical or historical discussions; implies someone with intellectual disabilities.)
• Состояние слабоумия - State of feeblemindedness (Refers to a condition in psychological contexts; avoid in casual speech.)
• Диагноз слабоумного - Diagnosis of feeblemindedness (Common in outdated medical reports; modern alternatives are preferred.)

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the outdated English term "feebleminded," which is now considered derogatory and insensitive. In Russian, "Слабоумный" should be used only in formal, professional, or historical contexts, such as medical documentation or literature. It is not appropriate for everyday conversation due to potential stigma. When learning Russian, opt for more neutral terms like "С ограниченными возможностями" (with limited abilities) to discuss intellectual disabilities respectfully. Grammar-wise, ensure correct adjective agreement with nouns in gender, number, and case, as shown in the inflections table.

• Choose "Слабоумный" over synonyms only if the context demands historical accuracy.
• In modern Russian, cultural sensitivity is key; misuse can lead to social backlash.

Common Errors:

English learners often misuse "Слабоумный" by applying it incorrectly in gender or case, or by using it in inappropriate contexts. For example:

• Error: Saying "Слабоумный женщина" (incorrect gender agreement) instead of the correct "Слабоумная женщина" (feebleminded woman). Correct: Always match the adjective to the noun's gender, number, and case.
• Error: Using it casually, e.g., "Он слабоумный" in a joke, which can offend. Correct: Reserve for professional settings and pair with neutral explanations to avoid insensitivity.

Explanation: These errors stem from overlooking Russian grammar rules or cultural nuances, leading to misunderstandings or offense.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "Слабоумный" reflect historical attitudes toward mental health, often rooted in Soviet-era medical classifications. Today, there is a growing emphasis on inclusive language, influenced by global human rights movements, so such terms are being phased out in favor of person-first language (e.g., "человек с интеллектуальными нарушениями" – person with intellectual disabilities). This evolution highlights Russia's shifting societal views on disability and mental health.

Related Concepts:

• Умственная отсталость (intellectual disability)
• Психическое расстройство (mental disorder)
• Когнитивные нарушения (cognitive impairments)