Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'materialism'

English Word: materialism

Key Russian Translations:

• материализм /mɐtʲɪrʲɪɐˈlʲizm/ - [Formal, Philosophical context]

Frequency: Medium (commonly used in academic, philosophical, and intellectual discussions, but less frequent in everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and Russian noun declensions, suitable for learners with a solid grasp of vocabulary and grammar)

Pronunciation (Russian):

материализм: /mɐtʲɪrʲɪɐˈlʲizm/

Note on материализм: The stress falls on the fourth syllable (-'lʲizm), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to the soft consonants (ʲ) and the rolling 'r' sound. Practice with native speakers for accurate palatalization.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Philosophical doctrine emphasizing matter as the fundamental reality

Translation(s) & Context:

• материализм - Used in formal philosophical discussions, such as debates on metaphysics or science, to describe the belief that physical matter is the only reality and that everything can be explained through natural laws.

Usage Examples:

• Материализм отрицает существование духовного мира и фокусируется на эмпирических доказательствах.

  Materialism denies the existence of a spiritual world and focuses on empirical evidence.

• В философии Карла Маркса материализм играет ключевую роль в анализе общественных отношений.

  In Karl Marx's philosophy, materialism plays a key role in analyzing social relations.

• Современный материализм часто сочетается с научным подходом, отвергая сверхъестественное.

  Modern materialism is often combined with a scientific approach, rejecting the supernatural.

• Критики материализма утверждают, что он игнорирует эмоциональные аспекты человеческой жизни.

  Critics of materialism argue that it ignores the emotional aspects of human life.

• В образовательных кругах материализм преподается как альтернатива идеализму.

  In educational circles, materialism is taught as an alternative to idealism.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Материализм" is a masculine noun (мужской род) in Russian, belonging to the third declension. It follows standard patterns for abstract nouns but has no irregularities. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: As an abstract concept, it is most commonly used in the singular form and does not change in everyday usage.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • материалистичность (materialistic nature; implies a more personal or psychological aspect, often used in everyday contexts)
  • физикализм (physicalism; a stricter scientific synonym, emphasizing empirical evidence)
• Antonyms:
  • идеализм (idealism; contrasts by prioritizing ideas over matter)
  • дуализм (dualism; suggests both matter and spirit exist)

Related Phrases:

• Диалектический материализм - A phrase referring to the Marxist interpretation of materialism; used in historical and political contexts. (Dialectical materialism)
• Научный материализм - Emphasizes a scientific approach to materialism; common in educational settings. (Scientific materialism)
• Исторический материализм - Refers to Marx's theory of historical development; often used in sociology. (Historical materialism)

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "материализм" directly corresponds to the English "materialism" in philosophical contexts, but it is more commonly associated with Marxist-Leninist thought due to Russia's historical background. Use it in formal or academic writing; avoid in casual conversations to prevent sounding overly intellectual. When choosing between synonyms like "материалистичность," opt for it if discussing personal attitudes rather than broad doctrines. Grammatically, always treat it as a masculine noun and adjust adjectives accordingly (e.g., "диалектический материализм").

Common Errors:

• Confusing it with consumerism: English learners often mix "materialism" (as in philosophy) with materialistic consumerism, leading to incorrect usage like saying "материализм" for wanting luxury items. Correct: Use "материализм" only for philosophical ideas; for consumerism, say "материалистичность" or "потребительский менталитет." Example of error: "Я люблю дорогие вещи, это мой материализм" (incorrect). Correct: "Я люблю дорогие вещи, это моя материалистичность."

• Misdeclining the noun: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., using "материализм" in the genitive as "материализм" instead of "материализма." This can make sentences grammatically incorrect. Example of error: "Книга о материализм" (should be "Книга о материализме").

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "материализм" is deeply tied to Soviet-era philosophy, particularly through Marxism-Leninism, where it was promoted as a state ideology. This gives it a political connotation that might not exist in English usage, often evoking ideas of atheism and anti-religious sentiment. Understanding this context helps English speakers appreciate why it's frequently discussed in Russian literature and education as a counterpoint to idealism.

Related Concepts:

• диалектика
• атеизм
• марксизм
• эмпиризм