Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hecatomb'

English Word: hecatomb

Key Russian Translations:

• гекатомба [ɡʲɪkɐˈtombə] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (This word is rarely used in everyday Russian, primarily in historical, literary, or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1) - Suitable for advanced learners due to its archaic and specialized nature, requiring familiarity with Greek loanwords in Russian.

Pronunciation (Russian):

гекатомба: [ɡʲɪkɐˈtombə]

Note on гекатомба: The stress falls on the third syllable ("tombə"), which is common in Russian loanwords. Be mindful of the palatalized 'г' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A large-scale sacrifice, massacre, or destruction, often with historical or metaphorical connotations.

Translation(s) & Context:

• гекатомба - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe massive loss of life or destruction, such as in historical texts or discussions of war.

Usage Examples:

• В древней Греции гекатомба была ритуалом, где жертвовали сто быков богам.

  In ancient Greece, a hecatomb was a ritual where a hundred bulls were sacrificed to the gods.

• Война принесла гекатомбу жертв среди мирного населения.

  The war brought a hecatomb of victims among the civilian population.

• Литературные произведения часто используют термин гекатомба для описания масштабных катастроф.

  Literary works often use the term hecatomb to describe large-scale catastrophes.

• Гекатомба человеческих жизней в результате эпидемии шокировала весь мир.

  The hecatomb of human lives resulting from the epidemic shocked the entire world.

• В исторических эссе гекатомба символизирует крайнюю степень жертвоприношения.

  In historical essays, hecatomb symbolizes the ultimate degree of sacrifice.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Гекатомба" is a feminine noun (feminine singular) in Russian, derived from Greek. It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -а. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This word is not commonly inflected in modern usage due to its rarity, but it follows regular patterns without irregularities.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • массовое уничтожение (mass destruction) - Often used in historical or military contexts, emphasizing scale.
  • кровопролитие (bloodshed) - A more general term, applicable in violent scenarios but less formal.
• Antonyms:
  • мир (peace) - Represents the opposite of destruction or sacrifice.
  • спасение (salvation) - Contrasts with mass loss of life.

Related Phrases:

• гекатомба жертв - A phrase meaning "hecatomb of victims," used in discussions of tragedies or wars; refers to massive casualties.
• гекатомба в истории - Meaning "hecatomb in history," often in academic texts to describe pivotal destructive events.
• ритуальная гекатомба - Translates to "ritual hecatomb," highlighting its original religious context from ancient times.

Usage Notes:

This translation, "гекатомба," directly corresponds to the English "hecatomb" as a borrowed term from Greek, but it's limited to formal, literary, or historical contexts in Russian. It's not used in everyday conversation, so English speakers should reserve it for academic or written discussions. When choosing between synonyms like "массовое уничтожение," opt for "гекатомба" if emphasizing ancient or mythological origins. Grammatically, it functions as a feminine noun, so ensure correct agreement in gender, number, and case (e.g., adjectives must match). Avoid overusing it in modern contexts, as it may sound archaic.

Common Errors:

• Mispronouncing the word: Learners often stress the wrong syllable, saying [ɡʲɪˈkatomba] instead of [ɡʲɪkɐˈtombə]. Correct usage: Always stress the third syllable to maintain authenticity.
• Using it in informal settings: For example, incorrectly saying "Это была гекатомба на вечеринке" (This was a hecatomb at the party) to mean a big mess, which is wrong. Correct: Reserve for serious contexts like "Это была гекатомба в войне" (This was a hecatomb in war). Explanation: The word carries heavy historical weight and isn't interchangeable with casual terms for "disaster."
• Confusing with similar words: Mixing it up with "катастрофа" (catastrophe). Error example: "Гекатомба погоды" (hecatomb of weather); Correct: "Катастрофа погоды" if meaning a weather disaster, as "гекатомба" implies human sacrifice or mass loss.

Cultural Notes:

The term "гекатомба" originates from ancient Greek rituals, where it referred to the sacrifice of 100 oxen to the gods. In Russian culture, it's often invoked in literature and history to discuss themes of loss and heroism, such as in works by Tolstoy or in references to World War II. This reflects Russia's deep connection to classical influences, reminding users of the shared Greco-Roman heritage in European languages.

Related Concepts:

• жертва (sacrifice)
• катастрофа (catastrophe)
• уничтожение (destruction)