Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'fidelity'

English Word: fidelity

Key Russian Translations:

• верность (/ˈvʲɛrnəsʲtʲ/) - [Formal, used in contexts of loyalty or commitment]
• лояльность (/ləˈjalʲnəsʲtʲ/) - [Formal, Informal, often in professional or political settings]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in literature, formal discussions, and everyday conversations about relationships or ethics)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and basic case inflections, though the core vocabulary is accessible to learners beyond beginner level)

Pronunciation (Russian):

верность: /ˈvʲɛrnəsʲtʲ/ (The 'в' is pronounced as a soft 'v', and the stress is on the first syllable. Note the palatalization of 'р' and 'н'.)

лояльность: /ləˈjalʲnəsʲtʲ/ (Emphasize the 'я' sound as in 'yard'; this word has a secondary stress on the third syllable.)

Note on верность: Be cautious with the soft consonants; mispronouncing them can alter the word's perceived formality.

Note on лояльность: This word is a loan from French via English, so it may sound more "foreign" in Russian speech.

Audio: []

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief (e.g., loyalty in relationships or commitments)

Translation(s) & Context:

• верность - Used in personal or emotional contexts, such as marital fidelity or patriotic loyalty.
• лояльность - Applied in professional or institutional settings, like employee loyalty to a company.

Usage Examples:

• Его верность семье всегда была непоколебимой, несмотря на трудности.

  His fidelity to his family was always unwavering, despite the difficulties.

• В политике лояльность к партии часто важнее личных убеждений.

  In politics, fidelity to the party is often more important than personal beliefs.

• Дружеская верность проверяется в моменты кризиса.

  Friendship fidelity is tested in moments of crisis.

• Лояльность клиента к бренду растет с каждым положительным опытом.

  Customer fidelity to a brand grows with each positive experience.

• В браке верность — это не только отсутствие измен, но и ежедневная поддержка.

  In marriage, fidelity is not just the absence of infidelity but daily support.

Meaning 2: Accuracy in details, especially in reproduction or representation (e.g., in art or technology)

Translation(s) & Context:

• верность - Used metaphorically for precise replication, such as in translations or copies.
• лояльность - Less common in this sense; typically not used for accuracy in details.

Usage Examples:

• Перевод книги должен передавать верность оригинального текста.

  The book translation should convey fidelity to the original text.

• В фотографии верность цветам и деталям — ключ к успеху.

  In photography, fidelity to colors and details is key to success.

• Аудиосистема обеспечивает верность звучания, как в живом концерте.

  The audio system ensures fidelity of sound, just like in a live concert.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "верность" and "лояльность" are feminine nouns in Russian, which means they follow the standard patterns of third-declension nouns. They are invariable in plural forms for abstract concepts but change according to grammatical cases.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • преданность (more emotional, often used for devotion in personal relationships)
  • верность (overlaps with the original word but can imply steadfastness)
• Antonyms:
  • измена (treachery or betrayal)
  • предательство (betrayal, especially in a trusted relationship)

Related Phrases:

• клятва верности - An oath of fidelity, often used in wedding vows or military pledges.
• верность долгу - Fidelity to duty, emphasizing commitment in professional or ethical contexts.
• лояльность бренду - Brand fidelity, referring to customer loyalty in marketing.

Usage Notes:

"Верность" is the most direct translation for "fidelity" in emotional or moral contexts, while "лояльность" is better suited for formal or business settings. English speakers should note that Russian requires case agreement, so "верность" changes form based on its role in the sentence (e.g., genitive for possession). When choosing between translations, opt for "верность" in personal narratives and "лояльность" in institutional discussions to ensure natural phrasing. Avoid direct word-for-word translations, as Russian often pairs these words with specific prepositions like "к" (to) for relationships.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "верность" with "верный" (an adjective meaning "faithful"). Error: Using "верный" as a noun (e.g., "Он показал верный"). Correct: "Он показал верность" (He showed fidelity). Explanation: "Верный" is an adjective and must agree in gender, number, and case.
• Misusing case inflections, such as saying "Я ценю верность" but incorrectly using genitive in unintended contexts. Error: "Я ценю верности" (incorrect genitive). Correct: "Я ценю верность" (nominative accusative). Explanation: Learners often overapply genitive forms due to English possessive structures.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "верность" often carries strong connotations of historical patriotism, as seen in literature like Tolstoy's works, where fidelity to the motherland is a heroic virtue. It can also relate to marital fidelity in traditional contexts, influenced by Orthodox Christian values, emphasizing lifelong commitment as a societal ideal.

Related Concepts:

• долг (duty)
• преданность (devotion)
• честь (honor)