Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'idolatrous'

English Word: idolatrous

Key Russian Translations:

• идолопоклонный [ɪdɐlɐˈpɔknɨj] - [Formal, used in religious or historical contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it's more prevalent in academic, religious, or literary texts.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced learners should be familiar with this term, as it involves nuanced vocabulary related to religion and culture; suitable for those with a strong grasp of Russian adjective declensions and formal language.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

идолопоклонный: [ɪdɐlɐˈpɔknɨj]

Note on идолопоклонный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("pɔknɨj"), which can be tricky for English speakers due to the Russian-specific vowel reductions. Pronounce it with a clear "o" sound in the stressed syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Involving or characterized by the worship of idols, often in a religious or metaphorical sense (e.g., excessive admiration).

Translation(s) & Context:

• идолопоклонный - Used in formal, historical, or religious discussions to describe idol worship or blind devotion; common in contexts like theology or cultural critiques.

Usage Examples:

• В древние времена многие культуры были идолопоклонными, поклоняясь вырезанным изображениям.

  In ancient times, many cultures were idolatrous, worshiping carved images.

• Его идолопоклонное отношение к знаменитостям часто приводило к разочарованиям.

  His idolatrous attitude towards celebrities often led to disappointments.

• В современном обществе идолопоклонные тенденции проявляются в поклонении социальным сетям.

  In modern society, idolatrous tendencies manifest in the worship of social media.

• Критики обвинили фильм в идолопоклонном изображении исторических фигур.

  Critics accused the film of an idolatrous portrayal of historical figures.

• Религиозные реформы были направлены против идолопоклонных практик в деревнях.

  Religious reforms were aimed at countering idolatrous practices in villages.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

идолопоклонный is an adjective in Russian, which means it follows the standard rules for Russian adjective declension. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. There are no irregular forms, but it changes based on context.

Note: This adjective does not have short forms or special irregularities, making it straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: языческий (pagan, with a broader cultural connotation), суеверный (superstitious, implying irrational belief)
• Antonyms: благочестивый (pious, devout), рациональный (rational, lacking blind devotion)

Note: "языческий" is often used interchangeably but may imply pre-Christian traditions, while "суеверный" highlights superstition over organized worship.

Related Phrases:

• идолопоклонство - Idolatry or the practice of idol worship; often used in religious discussions to denote excessive veneration.
• идолопоклонные обычаи - Idolatrous customs; refers to traditional practices involving idols in a cultural context.
• культ идолопоклонства - Cult of idolatry; a phrase for describing organized or societal idol worship.

Usage Notes:

This translation corresponds closely to the English "idolatrous" in formal contexts, emphasizing religious or metaphorical worship. It is typically restricted to written or academic Russian due to its archaic feel; in everyday speech, Russians might opt for simpler terms like "суеверный" for casual conversations. When using "идолопоклонный," ensure it agrees with the noun's gender, number, and case. For learners, choose this word when discussing historical or philosophical topics, but avoid it in informal settings to prevent sounding overly formal.

Common Errors:

• Error: Treating "идолопоклонный" as a noun instead of an adjective, e.g., saying "идолопоклонный" without a noun (incorrect: "Он идолопоклонный"). Correct: "Он идолопоклонный человек" (He is an idolatrous person). Explanation: Russian adjectives must modify a noun or be used predicatively.

• Error: Incorrect declension, e.g., using the nominative form in all cases (incorrect: "о идолопоклонном обычае" should be "о идолопоклонном обычае" in prepositional). Correct: Follow the declension table above. Explanation: This leads to grammatical errors that make sentences sound unnatural to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, terms like "идолопоклонный" often evoke historical references to pre-Christian pagan practices, such as those of ancient Slavic tribes who worshiped idols. This word carries a negative connotation in modern contexts, linked to criticism of blind fanaticism, and is frequently discussed in literature like Dostoevsky's works, where it symbolizes moral or spiritual weakness.

Related Concepts:

• язычество (paganism)
• суеверие (superstition)
• богопочитание (worship of God)