Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'foreknowledge'

English Word: foreknowledge

Key Russian Translations:

• предвидение [prɪdvʲɪˈdʲenʲɪje] - [Formal, used in philosophical or predictive contexts]
• предзнание [prʲɪdˈznanʲɪje] - [Formal, often in religious or esoteric contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in academic, literary, and philosophical discussions, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of abstract nouns and inflections, with предвидение being slightly easier than предзнание due to its more straightforward usage)

Pronunciation (Russian):

предвидение: [prɪdvʲɪˈdʲenʲɪje]

Note on предвидение: The stress falls on the third syllable ("dʲenʲɪje"). Pay attention to the soft consonants (вʲ and дʲ), which are common in Russian and can be challenging for English speakers.

предзнание: [prʲɪdˈznanʲɪje]

Note on предзнание: Stress is on the second syllable ("dˈznanʲɪje"). The initial "prʲɪd" has a soft "r" sound, which might vary in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Advance knowledge or foresight of events before they occur

Translation(s) & Context:

• предвидение - Typically used in formal, intellectual, or predictive contexts, such as in science or philosophy.
• предзнание - Often applied in spiritual, prophetic, or mystical scenarios, implying divine or intuitive insight.

Usage Examples:

• Его предвидение будущих событий часто помогает в принятии решений.

  His foreknowledge of future events often helps in decision-making.

• В философии предвидение рассматривается как дар, позволяющий избежать ошибок.

  In philosophy, foreknowledge is considered a gift that allows one to avoid mistakes.

• Предзнание в древних текстах описывается как сверхъестественная способность.

  Foreknowledge in ancient texts is described as a supernatural ability.

• С помощью предвидения ученые пытаются предугадать последствия климатических изменений.

  With foreknowledge, scientists try to predict the consequences of climate change.

• Предзнание героя в романе позволяет ему изменить ход истории.

  The hero's foreknowledge in the novel allows him to alter the course of history.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "предвидение" and "предзнание" are neuter nouns in Russian, belonging to the 2nd declension. They follow regular inflection patterns for neuter nouns, which means they change based on case, number, and gender agreement. However, as abstract concepts, they are often used in singular form.

Note: These nouns do not have plural forms in most contexts due to their abstract nature, making them relatively straightforward once the declension pattern is learned.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • проницательность (insight; more focused on keen perception)
  • интуиция (intuition; implies instinctive understanding without evidence)
• Antonyms:
  • неведение (ignorance; lack of knowledge)
  • непредвиденность (unforeseeability; the opposite in terms of predictability)

Related Phrases:

• предвидеть будущее - To foresee the future; used in discussions about planning or prophecy.
• иметь предзнание о событиях - To have foreknowledge of events; common in narrative or predictive contexts.
• предвидение в науке - Foreknowledge in science; refers to predictive models or theories.

Usage Notes:

"Предвидение" directly corresponds to "foreknowledge" in formal English contexts, emphasizing rational foresight, while "предзнание" leans toward mystical or divine insight. English learners should note that Russian often requires these nouns to agree in case with the rest of the sentence, which can affect word endings. For example, use the genitive case after prepositions like "о" (about). When choosing between translations, opt for "предвидение" in everyday or academic settings and "предзнание" for spiritual topics to ensure cultural appropriateness.

Common Errors:

• Common mistake: Confusing "предвидение" with "предсказание" (prediction). English learners might overuse "предсказание" thinking it means foreknowledge, but it implies a specific forecast rather than inherent knowledge. Correct usage: Instead of saying "Он имеет предсказание" (incorrect for foreknowledge), say "Он имеет предвидение" and explain as "He has foreknowledge."

• Another error: Forgetting case inflections, e.g., using nominative "предвидение" in a genitive context like "о предвидение" instead of "о предвидении." This can make sentences grammatically incorrect. Always check the governing preposition or verb.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like "предвидение" and "предзнание" are deeply tied to literature and folklore, such as in the works of Dostoevsky or Pushkin, where foresight often symbolizes fate or destiny. This reflects a broader Slavic tradition of mysticism, where foreknowledge is not just intellectual but intertwined with spiritual or prophetic elements, differing from Western rational interpretations.

Related Concepts:

• пророчество (prophecy)
• интуиция (intuition)
• предчувствие (premonition)