Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'idolater'

English Word: idolater

Key Russian Translations:

• идолопоклонник [i.dɐ.lɐ.pɐk.lɐˈnʲik] - [Formal, Religious or Metaphorical Contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation but appears in religious, historical, or literary contexts.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B1-B2 level on CEFR scale, as it involves understanding abstract religious concepts and noun inflections.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

идолопоклонник: [i.dɐ.lɐ.pɐk.lɐˈnʲik]

Note on идолопоклонник: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('lɐˈnʲik'). Pay attention to the soft 'нʲ' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: A person who worships idols, often in a religious or metaphorical sense (e.g., blind devotion to an idea or object).

Translation(s) & Context:

• идолопоклонник - Used in formal, religious, or historical discussions to describe someone engaged in idolatry; common in literature or theological texts.

Usage Examples:

• В древние времена многие люди были идолопоклонниками, поклоняясь вырезанным из дерева статуям.

  In ancient times, many people were idolaters, worshiping statues carved from wood.

• Современные идолопоклонники часто поклоняются знаменитостям, как будто они боги.

  Modern idolaters often worship celebrities as if they were gods.

• История полна примеров идолопоклонников, которые разрушали свои общества из-за слепой веры.

  History is full of examples of idolaters who destroyed their societies due to blind faith.

• В религиозных дебатах идолопоклонник может быть описан как тот, кто игнорирует истинные духовные ценности.

  In religious debates, an idolater can be described as someone who ignores true spiritual values.

• Не каждый фанат музыканта является идолопоклонником, но некоторые переходят грань.

  Not every fan of a musician is an idolater, but some cross the line.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Идолопоклонник" is a masculine noun in Russian, belonging to the second declension. It follows regular noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular inflections, making it straightforward for learners once basic noun patterns are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • поклонник идолов (worshiper of idols; more descriptive and less formal, often used in everyday explanations)
  • идолопоклонец (a variant form, slightly archaic but interchangeable in some contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • атеист (atheist; implies a complete rejection of worship or belief)
  • верующий (believer; in a monotheistic sense, contrasting blind idolatry with structured faith)

Related Phrases:

• идолопоклонничество - Idolatry; refers to the practice of idol worship, often in a broader cultural or religious critique.
• поклонение идолам - Worship of idols; a common phrase in historical or philosophical discussions, emphasizing blind devotion.
• идол как объект поклонения - Idol as an object of worship; used in contexts explaining cultural artifacts or metaphors.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "идолопоклонник" directly corresponds to the English "idolater" but is more commonly used in formal, religious, or literary contexts rather than casual conversation. It carries a negative connotation, implying irrational or excessive devotion. When choosing between translations like "идолопоклонник" and "поклонник идолов," opt for the former in academic or historical settings for precision. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: as a masculine noun, it must agree in gender, number, and case with other elements in the sentence. For example, in metaphorical uses (e.g., celebrity worship), this word can highlight cultural critiques, but avoid it in informal speech to prevent sounding overly dramatic.

• Grammar tip: Always inflect based on sentence role; e.g., use genitive for possession: "книги идолопоклонника" (the book of the idolater).
• Context tip: In modern Russian, this term is rare; consider "фанат" for fans, but reserve "идолопоклонник" for deeper, historical meanings.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "идолопоклонник" with "идол" (idol) and using it incorrectly as an adjective. For example, learners might say "идолопоклонник человек" instead of just "идолопоклонник" as a noun.

  Correct: "Он — идолопоклонник." (He is an idolater.)

  Explanation: "Идолопоклонник" is a standalone noun; adding extra words like "человек" is redundant and unnatural in Russian.

• Error: Failing to inflect properly, such as using the nominative form in all cases (e.g., "с идолопоклонник" instead of "с идолопоклонником").

  Correct: "с идолопоклонником" (with the idolater).

  Explanation: Russian requires case agreement; this mistake can make sentences grammatically incorrect and hard to understand.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "идолопоклонник" often evokes historical references to pre-Christian pagan practices in Slavic regions, where idols (wooden or stone figures) were worshiped. This term can carry a pejorative tone in Orthodox Christian contexts, symbolizing deviation from monotheistic faith. Today, it's used metaphorically in discussions of consumerism or celebrity culture, reflecting Russia's complex history of religious shifts and modern secularism.

Related Concepts:

• икона (icon)
• религия (religion)
• поклонение (worship)