Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'liberalism'

English Word: liberalism

Key Russian Translations:

• либерализм [lʲɪbʲɪˈralʲɪzm] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in political, academic, and media discussions, but less frequent in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; Requires understanding of abstract political concepts and vocabulary, suitable for learners with intermediate Russian proficiency.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

либерализм: [lʲɪbʲɪˈralʲɪzm]

Note on либерализм: Pay attention to the soft 'л' sound in the first syllable, which is a common feature in Russian words of foreign origin. Stress falls on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Political or economic philosophy emphasizing individual freedoms, limited government, and free markets.

Translation(s) & Context:

• либерализм - Used in formal political, historical, or philosophical contexts to describe ideologies promoting liberty and individual rights.

Usage Examples:

• В современной России либерализм часто ассоциируется с реформами 1990-х годов.

  In modern Russia, liberalism is often associated with the reforms of the 1990s.

• Либерализм подразумевает уважение к правам человека и свободе слова.

  Liberalism implies respect for human rights and freedom of speech.

• Критики либерализма утверждают, что он игнорирует социальные неравенства.

  Critics of liberalism argue that it ignores social inequalities.

• В глобальном масштабе либерализм повлиял на многие конституции мира.

  On a global scale, liberalism has influenced many world constitutions.

• Либерализм как идеология эволюционировал от классического к неолиберализму.

  Liberalism as an ideology has evolved from classical to neoliberal forms.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"либерализм" is a masculine noun in the second declension group. It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for masculine nouns ending in a consonant. Below is a table of its declensions:

Note: The word is invariable in terms of gender and does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • либеральность (subtle difference: focuses more on the quality of being liberal, often in a personal or attitudinal sense)
  • свободомыслие (used in contexts emphasizing free thought, but less formal)
• Antonyms:
  • консерватизм (conservatism; implies resistance to change)
  • авторитаризм (authoritarianism; emphasizes strict control)

Related Phrases:

• либеральные реформы - Liberal reforms (Common in discussions of economic or political changes, e.g., market-oriented policies).
• неолиберализм - Neoliberalism (Refers to a modern variant emphasizing free markets and deregulation).
• классический либерализм - Classical liberalism (Historical reference to 19th-century ideas of individual liberty).

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "либерализм" directly corresponds to the English "liberalism" in political and philosophical contexts, but it often carries connotations of Western influence, especially in Russian discourse. Use it in formal settings like essays, debates, or academic papers. Be cautious of regional variations; in Russia, it may imply criticism due to historical associations with post-Soviet reforms. When choosing between translations, "либерализм" is the most precise for ideological concepts, while synonyms like "либеральность" suit personal traits. Grammatically, it functions as a countable noun and requires appropriate case agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Error: Confusing "либерализм" with "либерал" (a noun meaning a liberal person) and using it interchangeably. Incorrect: "Он либерализм" (This implies "He is liberalism," which is nonsensical). Correct: "Он сторонник либерализма" (He is a supporter of liberalism). Explanation: "Либерализм" is an abstract noun, not a personal descriptor.

• Error: Overusing in informal speech, e.g., saying "либерализм" in casual conversations where "свободные идеи" might be more natural. Incorrect: Casual use without context. Correct: Reserve for structured discussions. Explanation: This can make speech sound overly formal or pretentious.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "либерализм" is often linked to the post-Soviet era, where it symbolized economic reforms and Western integration, but it has faced backlash as associated with inequality and foreign influence. This reflects broader tensions in Russian history between progressive ideas and traditionalism, as seen in 19th-century intellectuals like Herzen, who promoted liberal thought amidst autocracy.

Related Concepts:

• демократия
• капитализм
• свобода