Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'infamy'

English Word: infamy

Key Russian Translations:

• позор [pɐˈzor] - [Formal, often used in literary or historical contexts]
• бесчестие [bʲɪʂɕeˈstʲiə] - [Formal, emphasizing moral dishonor]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in formal writing, literature, and discussions of history or ethics, but less frequent in everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves abstract concepts and nuanced vocabulary; learners at this level can grasp it with context, but advanced users may need to distinguish subtle differences between translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

позор: [pɐˈzor]

Note on позор: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the "о" sound, which is a mid-back rounded vowel, and it may vary slightly in rapid speech.

бесчестие: [bʲɪʂɕeˈstʲiə]

Note on бесчестие: Pronounce the initial "б" as a voiced bilabial stop, and the "щ" as a voiceless alveolo-palatal fricative; this word has a more complex consonant cluster that non-native speakers might simplify.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being well-known for bad deeds or qualities

Translation(s) & Context:

• позор - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe public shame or infamy, often in historical or ethical discussions.
• бесчестие - Applied in contexts involving moral or personal dishonor, such as in legal or philosophical texts.

Usage Examples:

• Его деяния покрыли его позором на всю жизнь.

  His deeds covered him in infamy for life. (This example shows the word in a historical or biographical context, emphasizing lasting negative reputation.)

• В истории эта битва осталась как позор для армии.

  In history, this battle remained as an infamy for the army. (Illustrates use in a military or national context, highlighting collective shame.)

• Бесчестие политика раскрылось в коррупционном скандале.

  The infamy of the politician was revealed in the corruption scandal. (Demonstrates application in modern political discourse, focusing on moral downfall.)

• Позор этой семьи передавался из поколения в поколение.

  The infamy of this family was passed down from generation to generation. (Shows the word in a familial or social legacy context, with a narrative structure.)

• Бесчестие его действий не могло быть скрыто от общественности.

  The infamy of his actions could not be hidden from the public. (Exemplifies use in legal or ethical debates, with a focus on exposure.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "позор" and "бесчестие" are masculine nouns in Russian, following standard declension patterns for the second declension. "Позор" is a common noun that inflects regularly, while "бесчестие" also inflects but may feel more formal due to its length.

Note: These nouns do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners, but pay attention to the vowel changes in certain cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • стыд (shame; more emotional and personal than позор)
  • бесчестие (already a key translation, but can be synonymous in some contexts; implies deeper moral failure)
  • порочащий (discrediting; used adjectivally for ongoing infamy)
• Antonyms:
  • слава (fame; positive reputation, contrasting the negative connotation)
  • честь (honor; directly opposes moral infamy)

Related Phrases:

• покрыть позором (to cover in infamy) - A phrase used to describe actions that lead to lasting shame, often in historical narratives.
• бесчестие чести (dishonor of honor) - Refers to acts that tarnish one's integrity, commonly in ethical or legal discussions.
• вечный позор (eternal infamy) - Emphasizes permanent negative legacy, as in literary or biographical contexts.

Usage Notes:

"Infamy" in English often corresponds to "позор" or "бесчестие" in Russian, but choose based on context: use "позор" for public or societal disgrace, and "бесчестие" for personal moral failings. These words are typically formal and avoid in casual conversation; they carry a strong negative connotation and may imply historical or cultural weight. Grammatically, they function as nouns and require appropriate case agreement. For English learners, note that Russian often pairs these with verbs like "покрыть" (to cover) to build phrases, enhancing expressiveness.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "позор" with "слава": English learners might mistakenly use "позор" where "слава" is intended, thinking it's a neutral term for fame. Incorrect: "Его слава покрыла его позором" (wrong context). Correct: "Его деяния покрыли его позором." Explanation: "Позор" is inherently negative, so ensure the context matches infamy, not achievement.
• Improper inflection: Forgetting case endings, e.g., using nominative "позор" in genitive contexts. Incorrect: "Из-за позор" (should be "позора"). Correct: "Из-за позора." Explanation: Always check the sentence structure for proper declension to avoid grammatical errors.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "позор" often evoke historical events, such as the infamy associated with defeats in wars or political scandals, reflecting a deep sense of national pride and shame. For instance, it might reference events like the Napoleonic invasion, where collective infamy shaped national identity and literature.

Related Concepts:

• честь (honor)
• стыд (shame)
• порочащий акт (discrediting act)