Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'intrepidity'

English Word: intrepidity

Key Russian Translations:

• смелость [ˈsmʲeləsʲtʲ] - [Formal, often used in literary or heroic contexts]
• храбрость [xrɐˈbrosʲtʲ] - [Formal, emphasizing boldness in action]

Frequency: Medium (These words appear regularly in literature, historical texts, and formal discussions, but less so in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract nouns and contextual usage, with some learners finding the nuances challenging due to cultural connotations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

смелость: [ˈsmʲeləsʲtʲ]

Note on смелость: The stress falls on the first syllable; be mindful of the palatalized 'л' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Pronounce it with a soft, almost 'l-y' quality.

храбрость: [xrɐˈbrosʲtʲ]

Note on храбрость: The initial 'х' is a guttural sound like in Scottish 'loch'; stress is on the second syllable, and the word may vary slightly in rapid speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Bravery or courage in the face of danger

Translation(s) & Context:

• смелость - Used in formal or literary contexts to describe enduring courage, often in perilous situations like battles or moral dilemmas.
• храбрость - Applied in contexts emphasizing bold, decisive actions, such as in adventure or emergency scenarios.

Usage Examples:

• Его смелость в бою спасла всю роту солдат.

  His intrepidity in battle saved the entire platoon of soldiers.

• Несмотря на страх, она проявила храбрость, войдя в горящее здание.

  Despite her fear, she showed intrepidity by entering the burning building.

• Смелость этого исследователя открыла новые горизонты науки.

  The intrepidity of this explorer opened new horizons in science.

• В критический момент его храбрость пересилила нерешительность.

  In the critical moment, his intrepidity overcame his hesitation.

• Смелость в повседневной жизни часто проявляется в маленьких, но значимых поступках.

  Intrepidity in everyday life often shows in small but meaningful actions.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "смелость" and "храбрость" are feminine nouns in Russian, belonging to the third declension. They follow standard patterns for abstract nouns but do not change in the nominative singular form. Below is a table outlining their key inflections:

These nouns are invariant in gender and do not have verbal forms, but they can be modified by adjectives or used in compound phrases. No irregular changes occur.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • мужество (muzhestvo) - Emphasizes moral strength and endurance, often with a heroic connotation.
  • отвага (otvaga) - Highlights daring and risk-taking, similar to intrepidity in adventurous contexts.
• Antonyms:
  • трусость (trusost') - Cowardice or fearfulness.
  • боязнь (boyazn') - Fear or apprehension.

Related Phrases:

• Проявить смелость - To show courage; used in contexts of demonstrating bravery under pressure.
• Храбрость в действии - Bravery in action; a phrase often seen in motivational or historical narratives.
• Смелость духа - Courage of the spirit; implies inner fortitude, with cultural ties to Russian literature.

Usage Notes:

"Смелость" and "храбрость" both translate to "intrepidity" but differ subtly: "смелость" is more about steadfast courage, often in reflective or philosophical contexts, while "храбрость" conveys active boldness. English users should choose based on context—opt for "смелость" in formal writing or discussions of heroism, and "храбрость" for dynamic scenarios. Be aware of Russian's grammatical requirements, such as case agreement (e.g., in genitive constructions). These words are neutral in register but lean formal, so avoid in casual speech unless emphasizing.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "смелость" with "смелый" (smelyy, meaning "brave" as an adjective): Incorrect - "Его смелый в бою" (wrong structure). Correct - "Его смелость в бою" (using the noun form). Explanation: "Intrepidity" is a noun, so match it with the appropriate Russian noun, not an adjective.

• Overusing in informal settings: Incorrect - Using "храбрость" in everyday chat as if it were casual slang. Correct - Reserve for formal contexts; in casual talk, say "быть смелым" instead. Explanation: This can sound overly dramatic to native speakers, making your Russian seem unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "смелость" and "храбрость" carry deep historical significance, often linked to themes in literature (e.g., Tolstoy's works) and folklore, where bravery is idealized as a national virtue. During events like World War II, these concepts were celebrated in propaganda and stories, symbolizing resilience against adversity.

Related Concepts:

• героизм (geroizm)
• отвага (otvaga)
• мужество (muzhestvo)