Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'indecision'

English Word: indecision

Key Russian Translations:

• нерешительность /nʲɪ.rʲɪˈʃɨ.tʲɪ.lʲ.nəsʲtʲ/ - [Formal; used in general contexts to describe hesitation or uncertainty]

Frequency: Medium (Common in everyday conversations, literature, and psychological discussions, but not as frequent as basic vocabulary)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and abstract concepts, suitable for learners with basic Russian grammar knowledge)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нерешительность: /nʲɪ.rʲɪˈʃɨ.tʲɪ.lʲ.nəsʲtʲ/

Note on нерешительность: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ("ши"), and the "щ" sound is a soft palatal fricative, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronounce it as "nee-ryeh-shee-til-nost" with a soft "sh" sound.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being unable to make a decision promptly

Translation(s) & Context:

• нерешительность - Used in formal or introspective contexts, such as describing personal doubts or decision-making processes in psychology or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Его нерешительность в принятии важных решений часто приводила к упущенным возможностям.

  His indecision in making important decisions often led to missed opportunities.

• Нерешительность молодого героя подчеркнута в романе, чтобы показать его внутренний конфликт.

  The indecision of the young hero is highlighted in the novel to show his inner conflict.

• В моменты нерешительности лучше всего обратиться за советом к опытным коллегам.

  In moments of indecision, it's best to seek advice from experienced colleagues.

• Её нерешительность на перекрёстке дороги могла бы привести к аварии, если бы не сигнал светофора.

  Her indecision at the road intersection could have led to an accident if not for the traffic light signal.

• Нерешительность в политике часто интерпретируется как слабость лидера.

  Indecision in politics is often interpreted as a sign of weakness in a leader.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

нерешительность is a feminine noun (from the adjective "нерешительный" meaning indecisive). It follows the standard first declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in -ость. Below is a table of its inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • колебание (kolebaniye) - Slight variation, often implying back-and-forth hesitation.
  • нерешённость (nereshennost') - More about unresolved issues, used in problem-solving contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • решительность (reshitel'nost') - Decisiveness, the direct opposite in decision-making scenarios.
  • твёрдость (tvërdost') - Firmness, implying strength and resolve.

Related Phrases:

• В состоянии нерешительности (V sostoianii nereshitel'nosti) - In a state of indecision; used to describe someone who is hesitating deeply.
• Преодолеть нерешительность (Preodoliet' nereshitel'nost') - To overcome indecision; common in self-help or motivational contexts.
• Нерешительность в действиях (Nereshitel'nost' v deistviyakh) - Indecision in actions; highlights hesitation in practical situations.

Usage Notes:

нерешительность directly corresponds to the English "indecision" as an abstract noun, often used in formal writing, psychological discussions, or literary analysis. It is neutral in tone but can carry a negative connotation in contexts where quick decisions are valued, such as business or leadership. When choosing between synonyms like колебание, opt for нерешительность when emphasizing emotional or mental hesitation. Always decline the noun according to Russian case requirements for grammatical accuracy.

• In spoken Russian, it's common to pair it with verbs like "испытывать" (to experience) for personal narratives.
• Avoid using it in very informal settings; prefer simpler terms like "сомнение" (doubt) for casual conversations.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse нерешительность with нерешённый (unresolved), leading to incorrect usage. For example:

• Error: Using "нерешённый вопрос" to mean "indecision," which actually means "an unresolved question."
• Correct: "Его нерешительность помешала принять решение" (His indecision prevented him from making a decision). The error might be: "Его нерешённость помешала" (incorrect form), which should be avoided by using the proper noun form.
• Another common mistake is forgetting declension; e.g., saying "из-за нерешительность" instead of "из-за нерешительности" (genitive case required).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, нерешительность is often portrayed negatively in literature and media, reflecting values of decisiveness and strength, as seen in works by authors like Tolstoy. It can symbolize internal conflict in characters, drawing from historical contexts where hesitation in leadership led to significant consequences, such as during wars or revolutions.

Related Concepts:

• сомнение (somneniye)
• колебание (kolebaniye)
• решительность (reshitel'nost')