Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'idealist'

English Word: idealist

Key Russian Translations:

• идеалист /ɪdʲi.ˈa.lʲɪst/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in philosophical, political, or intellectual contexts, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and nominal forms in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

идеалист: /ɪdʲi.ˈa.lʲɪst/

Note on идеалист: The stress falls on the third syllable ("a"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) affecting the pronunciation of the preceding consonant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who adheres to ideals, especially in philosophy or ethics, often prioritizing principles over practical realities.

Translation(s) & Context:

• идеалист - Used in formal discussions, such as philosophy or politics, to describe someone with high moral or visionary aspirations.

Usage Examples:

• Он всегда был идеалистом, верящим в возможность изменить мир к лучшему.

  He was always an idealist, believing in the possibility of changing the world for the better.

• Как идеалист, она отказалась от компромиссов в своей работе.

  As an idealist, she refused compromises in her work.

• В юности многие идеалисты боролись за социальную справедливость.

  In their youth, many idealists fought for social justice.

• Идеалист в нём не позволял принять реальность без борьбы.

  The idealist in him wouldn't allow him to accept reality without a fight.

• Она, как типичный идеалист, мечтала о совершенном обществе.

  She, as a typical idealist, dreamed of a perfect society.

2. In a broader sense, someone who is optimistic or impractical in their views (e.g., in everyday contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• идеалист - Applied in informal or semi-formal settings to describe overly optimistic individuals, but less common than in formal contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Его друзья считают его идеалистом, потому что он игнорирует практические проблемы.

  His friends consider him an idealist because he ignores practical problems.

• Как идеалист, он предпочитает мечты реальности.

  As an idealist, he prefers dreams to reality.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Идеалист" is a masculine noun (second declension in Russian). It follows standard nominal inflections for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • романтик (romantic) - Often implies a more emotional or dreamy idealism.
  • визионер (visionary) - Used for someone with forward-thinking ideals, but more focused on innovation.
• Antonyms:
  • прагматик (pragmatist) - Emphasizes practicality over ideals.
  • реалист (realist) - Highlights a grounded approach, contrasting with idealistic views.

Related Phrases:

• идеалистические взгляды - Idealistic views; often used in discussions of philosophy or politics.
• идеалист в душе - An idealist at heart; refers to someone's inherent nature.
• бороться как идеалист - To fight like an idealist; implies passionate, principle-driven action.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "идеалист" directly corresponds to the English "idealist" and is typically used in formal or intellectual contexts. It carries a neutral to positive connotation, similar to English, but be cautious of its inflections based on case requirements in sentences. For example, choose this term over synonyms like "романтик" if the focus is on philosophical principles rather than emotion. In everyday speech, it's less common and may sound somewhat elevated, so consider the audience when using it.

• Grammar note: Always decline it according to the sentence structure, e.g., in genitive case for possession.
• Context tip: In Russian literature or media, it's often associated with historical figures, so it can evoke cultural undertones.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "идеалист" with "идеализм" (idealism, the noun form), leading to incorrect usage. For example: Incorrect: "Он имеет идеалист" (wrong, as it should be "Он - идеалист"). Correct: "Он - идеалист". Explanation: "Идеалист" is a noun for a person, while "идеализм" is the abstract concept; use the appropriate form based on context.
• Another error is failing to decline it properly, e.g., saying "Я видел идеалист" instead of "Я видел идеалиста" in accusative case. Explanation: Russian requires case agreement, so always adjust the ending as per the table above.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "идеалист" is frequently linked to literary and historical figures like those in the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, where characters embody idealistic pursuits amidst societal challenges. This reflects Russia's rich tradition of intellectualism and revolutionary thought, such as during the 19th-century reform movements, adding a layer of depth to the word beyond its literal meaning.

Related Concepts:

• идеализм
• визионерство
• романтизм