Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hubris'

English Word: hubris

Key Russian Translations:

• высокомерие [vɨˈsokəmʲɪrʲɪje] - [Formal, Literary]
• самонадеянность [səmənəˈdʲejənnəsʲtʲ] - [Informal, Everyday]

Frequency: Low (This term and its translations are not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; they appear more frequently in literary, philosophical, or academic contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and formal language. For 'высокомерие', it may lean towards C1 due to its literary connotations, while 'самонадеянность' is more straightforward at B2.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

высокомерие: [vɨˈsokəmʲɪrʲɪje]

самонадеянность: [səmənəˈdʲejənnəsʲtʲ]

Note on высокомерие: The stress falls on the third syllable ('ме'), which can be tricky for learners due to the soft consonants; pronounce it with a clear 'r' sound. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning: Excessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to downfall (as in Greek tragedy).

Translation(s) & Context:

• высокомерие: Used in formal or literary contexts to describe arrogant behavior, such as in discussions of literature or philosophy.
• самонадеянность: Applied in informal settings to indicate overconfidence in everyday situations, like personal relationships or decision-making.

Usage Examples:

• Его высокомерие в конечном итоге разрушило его карьеру.

  His hubris ultimately destroyed his career.

• В древнегреческих мифах высокомерие героев часто приводит к трагедии.

  In ancient Greek myths, the hubris of heroes often leads to tragedy.

• Её самонадеянность заставила её недооценить риски.

  Her hubris made her underestimate the risks.

• Политики, полные самонадеянности, редко слушают советы других.

  Politicians full of hubris rarely listen to advice from others.

• Высокомерие короля было причиной его падения, как описано в классической литературе.

  The hubris of the king was the cause of his downfall, as described in classical literature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'высокомерие' and 'самонадеянность' are abstract nouns in Russian, which typically follow standard declension patterns for feminine nouns. They are invariable in plural forms as they represent abstract concepts, but they change according to case in singular.

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

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • гордыня (more religious connotation, implying sinful pride)
  • спесь (arrogance with a sense of haughtiness)
• Antonyms:
  • скромность (modesty)
  • смирение (humility)

Related Phrases:

• Чувство собственного превосходства – A phrase meaning "sense of superiority," often linked to hubris in psychological contexts.
• Презирать других из-за высокомерия – Meaning "to despise others due to hubris," used in discussions of social behavior.
• Самонадеянный подход – Translates to "hubristic approach," common in business or strategy talks.

Usage Notes:

'Высокомерие' is the most direct translation for 'hubris' in formal or literary English, especially when referring to classical themes, while 'самонадеянность' fits better for modern, everyday overconfidence. Choose based on context: use 'высокомерие' for historical or philosophical discussions and 'самонадеянность' for personal or informal scenarios. Be mindful of Russian's case system when integrating these words into sentences, as they must agree with the grammatical structure. For English learners, note that 'hubris' carries a negative connotation from Greek origins, which is preserved in Russian equivalents.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'высокомерие' in informal speech, which can sound overly dramatic. Correct: Opt for 'самонадеянность' in casual contexts, e.g., instead of saying "Его высокомерие раздражает" (His hubris annoys), say "Его самонадеянность раздражает" for a more natural tone.
• Mistake: Incorrect case usage, such as treating 'высокомерие' as invariable. Example of error: "Из-за высокомерие" (wrong genitive). Correct: "Из-за высокомерия" (proper genitive). Explanation: Russian nouns must change endings to fit the sentence structure, so always check the required case.

Cultural Notes:

The concept of 'hubris' originates from ancient Greek tragedy, where it represents excessive pride that invites divine retribution. In Russian culture, similar ideas appear in literature like Dostoevsky's works, where 'высокомерие' is often depicted as a flaw leading to moral downfall, reflecting Orthodox Christian influences on humility and self-restraint.

Related Concepts:

• гордыня
• спесь
• смирение