Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'hypocrisy'

English Word: hypocrisy

Key Russian Translations:

• лицемерие /lʲɪtsɨˈmʲerʲɪjə/ - [Formal, often used in ethical or political contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of morality, politics, and social issues, but not everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves abstract concepts and requires understanding of nuanced ethical contexts; suitable for learners with a grasp of basic grammar and vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

лицемерие: /lʲɪtsɨˈmʲerʲɪjə/

Note on лицемерие: The stress falls on the third syllable ("me-"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized 'l' sound (/lʲ/). Practice with native audio for accurate intonation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.

Translation(s) & Context:

• лицемерие - Used in formal or serious contexts, such as criticizing inconsistent behavior in politics, religion, or personal ethics.

Usage Examples:

• Его обвинения в лицемерии политиков прозвучали на митинге.

  His accusations of hypocrisy against politicians were voiced at the rally.

• Лицемерие в её словах стало очевидным, когда она нарушила свои обещания.

  The hypocrisy in her words became evident when she broke her promises.

• Общество часто игнорирует лицемерие влиятельных фигур.

  Society often overlooks the hypocrisy of influential figures.

• В литературе лицемерие часто изображается как разрушительная сила.

  In literature, hypocrisy is often depicted as a destructive force.

• Его лицемерие проявилось в том, что он критиковал других, но сам поступал иначе.

  His hypocrisy showed in how he criticized others while acting differently himself.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Лицемерие" is a neuter noun of the third declension in Russian. It follows standard noun inflection patterns but has no irregularities. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: This word does not change in the plural as frequently as some nouns, and its forms are regular, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • фарисейство (implies religious hypocrisy, often with a biblical connotation)
  • притворство (more general, emphasizing pretense or insincerity)
• Antonyms:
  • искренность (sincerity, direct opposition in moral contexts)
  • честность (honesty, focusing on truthfulness)

Related Phrases:

• лицемерное поведение - Hypocritical behavior (used to describe actions that contradict stated beliefs)
• обвинять в лицемерии - To accuse of hypocrisy (common in debates or criticisms)
• маска лицемерия - Mask of hypocrisy (a metaphorical phrase for hidden insincerity in literature or psychology)

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "лицемерие" directly corresponds to the English "hypocrisy" but is more formal and often carries a moral or ethical weight, making it suitable for written or spoken discourse on philosophy, politics, or social issues.
• It is typically used in singular form and requires the appropriate case based on sentence structure (e.g., genitive after prepositions like "в"). English speakers should note that Russian does not have articles, so context defines the nuance.
• When choosing among translations like "притворство," opt for "лицемерие" if the focus is on moral inconsistency; use synonyms for subtler shades.
• In everyday conversation, Russians might prefer less formal alternatives, so "лицемерие" is ideal for essays or debates but less so for casual talk.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "лицемерия" (genitive) incorrectly in nominative contexts, e.g., saying "Это лицемерия" instead of "Это лицемерие."
  Correct: "Это лицемерие" (This is hypocrisy). Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; nominative is the base form.
• Error: Confusing it with "притворство" and using them interchangeably without context, leading to imprecise meaning.
  Correct: Use "лицемерие" for moral hypocrisy; "притворство" for general pretense. Explanation: This can dilute the ethical connotation, so choose based on intent.
• Error: Mispronouncing the word by ignoring palatalization, e.g., saying /litsɨˈmʲerʲɪjə/ without the soft 'l'.
  Correct: Practice /lʲɪtsɨˈmʲerʲɪjə/ with audio. Explanation: In Russian, palatalized consonants are crucial for clarity and native pronunciation.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "лицемерие" often appears in literary works by authors like Leo Tolstoy or Fyodor Dostoevsky, where it critiques societal double standards, such as in religious or aristocratic settings. This reflects a broader cultural emphasis on moral integrity in Russian philosophy and history, influenced by events like the Soviet era, where public facades of ideology masked personal realities.

Related Concepts:

• честность (honesty)
• искренность (sincerity)
• фарисейство (Pharisaism, with religious undertones)