Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'iniquity'

English Word: iniquity

Key Russian Translations:

• Зло [zɫo] - [Formal, often used in philosophical or literary contexts]
• Неправедность [nʲɪprɐˈvʲednəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, legal or moral discussions]

Frequency: Medium (These terms appear in literature, ethical discussions, and formal writing but are not everyday vocabulary in casual conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - Learners at this level can grasp the concepts with some exposure to advanced vocabulary; variations in nuance may require contextual practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Зло: [zɫo]

Note on Зло: The 'л' sound is a dark L, which can be challenging for English speakers; stress is on the first syllable. Pronounce it with a soft, emphatic 'z' as in "zoo."

Неправедность: [nʲɪprɐˈvʲednəsʲtʲ]

Note on Неправедность: This word has a complex consonant cluster; focus on the palatalized 'нʲ' and the stressed 'ве' syllable. It may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Moral wickedness, injustice, or sinfulness

Translation(s) & Context:

• Зло - Used in contexts involving ethical or philosophical discussions, such as describing inherent evil in society (e.g., in literature or debates on morality).
• Неправедность - Applied in legal, religious, or social justice contexts to denote unfairness or unrighteousness (e.g., in formal critiques of systems).

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: "Зло правящего режима привело к социальному хаосу." (The iniquity of the ruling regime led to social chaos.)

  English Translation: "The iniquity of the ruling regime led to social chaos."

• Русский пример: "Неправедность в суде была очевидна для всех присутствующих." (The iniquity in the court was evident to all present.)

  English Translation: "The iniquity in the court was evident to all present."

• Русский пример: "В истории всегда присутствует зло, которое нужно преодолевать." (In history, there is always iniquity that must be overcome.)

  English Translation: "In history, there is always iniquity that must be overcome."

• Русский пример: "Его действия были полны неправедности, что шокировало общество." (His actions were full of iniquity, shocking society.)

  English Translation: "His actions were full of iniquity, shocking society."

• Русский пример: "Зло человеческой природы часто проявляется в коррупции." (The iniquity of human nature often manifests in corruption.)

  English Translation: "The iniquity of human nature often manifests in corruption."

Secondary Meaning: Severe immorality or vice

Translation(s) & Context:

• Зло - In broader contexts like psychology or religion, to describe deep-seated vice (e.g., in personal or spiritual reflections).
• Неправедность - Less common here, but can imply systemic vice in formal analyses.

Usage Examples:

• Русский пример: "Зло в его душе не позволяло ему изменить поведение." (The iniquity in his soul prevented him from changing his behavior.)

  English Translation: "The iniquity in his soul prevented him from changing his behavior."

• Русский пример: "Неправедность его решений повлияла на всю семью." (The iniquity of his decisions affected the entire family.)

  English Translation: "The iniquity of his decisions affected the entire family."

Russian Forms/Inflections:

For "Зло" (a neuter noun), it follows standard Russian noun declension patterns with changes based on case and number. It is indeclinable in some uses but typically varies.

For "Неправедность" (a feminine noun), it has regular feminine declension:

Both words are invariant in gender but change with case; "Зло" can be unchangeable in fixed expressions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: Порок [porok] (vice, with a focus on moral flaws), Злодеяние [zlodeyaniye] (evil deed, more action-oriented)
• Порок is often used interchangeably but implies a personal flaw, while Злодеяние emphasizes acts.
• Antonyms: Добро [dobro] (goodness), Справедливость [spravedlivost'] (justice)

Related Phrases:

• Злое дело - A wicked act; used in contexts of crime or immorality.
• Неправедный суд - Unjust trial; common in legal or historical discussions.
• Борьба со злом - Struggle against iniquity; often in philosophical or activist language.

Usage Notes:

"Зло" and "Неправедность" both translate "iniquity" but differ in connotation: "Зло" is broader and more abstract, suitable for everyday moral discussions, while "Неправедность" is precise for formal or legal contexts. English speakers should note that Russian often requires case agreement, e.g., in prepositional phrases. Choose "Зло" for general wickedness and "Неправедность" when emphasizing injustice. Avoid direct word-for-word translations; consider the sentence's grammatical structure for accuracy.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Зло" as an adjective without proper inflection, e.g., saying "зло человек" instead of "злой человек" (evil person). Correct: "Злой человек" – Explanation: "Зло" is a noun; for adjectival forms, use "злой" to modify nouns.
• Error: Confusing with similar words like "злой" (evil as an adjective), leading to misuse in sentences. Correct: In "iniquity of actions," use "зло действий" properly inflected, not "злой действий." – Explanation: This stems from not recognizing part of speech differences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "Зло" often carries connotations from literature like Dostoevsky's works, where it represents existential evil or internal conflict. "Неправедность" may evoke historical injustices, such as those under Soviet rule, highlighting themes of oppression and moral resistance in Russian history and folklore.

Related Concepts:

• Грех [grekh] (sin)
• Коррупция [korruptsiya] (corruption)
• Несправедливость [nespravedlivost'] (injustice)