Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'heretic'

English Word: heretic

Key Russian Translations:

• еретик /jɪˈrɛ.tʲɪk/ - [Formal; used in religious, historical, or philosophical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (This word is not everyday vocabulary but appears in discussions of religion, history, or philosophy in Russian media and literature.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian noun declensions and formal language, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of basic grammar.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

еретик: /jɪˈrɛ.tʲɪk/

Note on еретик: The stress falls on the second syllable (/rɛ/), and the 'й' sound is a soft palatal approximant. Be cautious with the soft sign (ь) in inflected forms, which affects pronunciation subtly.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who holds unorthodox opinions, especially in religion (e.g., someone who challenges established doctrines).

Translation(s) & Context:

• еретик - Used in formal or academic discussions, such as historical texts or debates about faith.

Usage Examples:

• В средние века еретик мог быть осуждён инквизицией за свои взгляды.

  In the Middle Ages, a heretic could be condemned by the Inquisition for their views.

• Этот философ считается еретиком в традиционной церкви из-за своих радикальных идей.

  This philosopher is considered a heretic in the traditional church due to his radical ideas.

• В современном обществе еретик часто становится символом свободомыслия.

  In modern society, a heretic often becomes a symbol of free thinking.

• Еретик в науке — это тот, кто оспаривает устоявшиеся теории.

  A heretic in science is someone who challenges established theories.

Meaning 2: Figuratively, someone who deviates from mainstream ideas or norms (non-religious context).

Translation(s) & Context:

• еретик - Applied in informal or metaphorical settings, such as politics or culture, to describe a nonconformist.

Usage Examples:

• В мире моды дизайнер-еретик игнорирует тенденции и создаёт уникальные коллекции.

  In the world of fashion, a designer-heretic ignores trends and creates unique collections.

• Политический еретик всегда рискует потерять поддержку большинства.

  A political heretic always risks losing the support of the majority.

• Еретик в компании — это сотрудник, который предлагает смелые изменения.

  A heretic in the company is an employee who suggests bold changes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Еретик" is a masculine noun (2nd declension in Russian). It follows standard noun declension patterns, with changes based on case and number. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: инокомыслящий (slightly more neutral, used for dissenters in intellectual contexts), диссидент (emphasizes political opposition)
• Antonyms: ортодокс (orthodox, strictly adhering to tradition), конформист (conformist, one who follows the norm without question)

Related Phrases:

• Еретическое учение - A heretical teaching (refers to unorthodox doctrines, often in religious or ideological contexts).
• Быть еретиком - To be a heretic (used metaphorically for challenging norms, e.g., in art or science).
• Еретическая секта - A heretical sect (describes a group deviating from mainstream beliefs).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "еретик" directly corresponds to the English "heretic" but is more commonly used in formal, historical, or literary contexts rather than everyday conversation. It carries a neutral to negative connotation depending on the speaker's perspective. When choosing between translations, opt for "еретик" in religious discussions and "инакомыслящий" for broader dissent. Be mindful of grammatical gender: as a masculine noun, it agrees with masculine adjectives and verbs. In informal settings, Russians might use it figuratively without religious undertones.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "еретик" with "атеист" (atheist), as both relate to non-conformity in belief. Incorrect: Он атеист, потому что отрицает Бога (when meaning a heretic). Correct: Он еретик, потому что имеет нетрадиционные взгляды на религию. Explanation: "Атеист" implies disbelief in God, while "еретик" implies deviation within a belief system.
• Error: Forgetting to decline the noun in sentences. Incorrect: Я говорю о еретик (in genitive context). Correct: Я говорю о еретике. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the term "еретик" evokes historical events like the Russian Orthodox Church's persecution of dissenters during the Tsarist era or Soviet times. It often symbolizes intellectual rebellion, as seen in literature by authors like Dostoevsky, where heretics represent challenges to authority and tradition.

Related Concepts:

• религия (religion)
• диссидент (dissident)
• ортодоксия (orthodoxy)