Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'mockery'

English Word: mockery

Key Russian Translations:

• насмешка /nɐˈsmʲɛʂkə/ - [Formal; often used in literary or serious contexts]
• издевательство /ɪzʲdʲɪˈvatʲɪlstvə/ - [Informal; implies more aggressive or cruel mocking]

Frequency: Medium - This word and its translations are encountered in everyday conversation, literature, and media, but not as common as basic vocabulary.

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for 'насмешка'; B2 (Upper-Intermediate) for 'издевательство' - Learners at this level should understand the nuances, but mastering inflections may require practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

насмешка: /nɐˈsmʲɛʂkə/

Note on насмешка: The 'ш' sound (/ʂ/) can be challenging for English speakers; it's similar to the 'sh' in 'she', but more palatalized. Stress falls on the second syllable.

издевательство: /ɪzʲdʲɪˈvatʲɪlstvə/

Note on издевательство: Pronounce the 'з' (/zʲ/) with a soft, palatal quality; the word is longer and may vary slightly in rapid speech. Avoid overemphasizing the final 'о'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Act of mocking or ridiculing someone or something

Translation(s) & Context:

• насмешка - Used in formal or neutral contexts, such as in literature or discussions about criticism, to describe light-hearted or ironic ridicule.
• издевательство - Applied in informal or emotional situations, often conveying harsh or abusive mocking, like in interpersonal conflicts.

Usage Examples:

• Его насмешка над моим акцентом обидела меня.

  His mockery of my accent offended me.

• В пьесе Шекспира насмешка часто используется для раскрытия характера героев.

  In Shakespeare's plays, mockery is often used to reveal the characters' traits.

• Издевательство над слабым — это недопустимо в цивилизованном обществе.

  Mockery of the weak is unacceptable in a civilized society.

• Дети иногда превращают насмешку в игру, но это может перерасти в издевательство.

  Children sometimes turn mockery into a game, but it can escalate into bullying.

• Её насмешка была тонкой, но я почувствовал подтекст.

  Her mockery was subtle, but I sensed the underlying sarcasm.

2. Something that is absurd or ridiculous

Translation(s) & Context:

• насмешка - In metaphorical contexts, to describe a situation that mocks expectations, such as in philosophical or ironic discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Эта бюрократия — чистая насмешка над эффективностью.

  This bureaucracy is pure mockery of efficiency.

• Насмешка судьбы, что он потерял работу как раз перед пенсией.

  It's a mockery of fate that he lost his job right before retirement.

• В этой комедии насмешка над социальными нормами очень остроумна.

  In this comedy, the mockery of social norms is very witty.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Насмешка' is a feminine noun of the first declension (second group in some classifications). It follows regular patterns for Russian nouns. 'Издевательство' is a neuter noun of the second declension and is also regular.

Both words are regular and do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • сарказм (/sɐrˈkazm/) - More biting and intellectual, often used in witty exchanges.
  • ирония (/ɪˈronʲɪjə/) - Subtle and indirect, differing from насмешка by lacking overt ridicule.
• Antonyms:
  • похвала (/pɐˈxvaɫə/) - Praise or commendation.
  • уважение (/ʊˈvaʐɛnʲjə/) - Respect, which contrasts with the derisive nature of mockery.

Related Phrases:

• Злая насмешка - A malicious or cruel mockery; used to describe intentionally hurtful ridicule.
• Насмешка судьбы - Mockery of fate; refers to ironic twists in life events.
• Издевательство над властью - Mockery of authority; common in satirical contexts to criticize power structures.

Usage Notes:

'Mockery' in English often carries a light-hearted connotation, but its Russian equivalents like 'насмешка' can be more neutral or formal, while 'издевательство' is typically negative and intense. Choose 'насмешка' for everyday or literary use, and 'издевательство' for contexts involving bullying or abuse. Be mindful of grammatical gender and case when integrating into sentences—'насмешка' is feminine, so adjectives must agree (e.g., 'злая насмешка'). In formal writing, pair it with verbs like 'выразить' (to express) for precision.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'насмешка' with 'смех' (laughter): Learners might overuse 'смех' thinking it means mockery, but it lacks the ridiculing element. Error: "Его смех был обидным" (incorrect for mockery). Correct: "Его насмешка была обидной" – This distinguishes between innocent laughter and intentional ridicule.

• Misapplying inflections: Forgetting to change cases, e.g., using nominative 'насмешка' in genitive contexts. Error: "Я боюсь насмешка" (wrong). Correct: "Я боюсь насмешки" – Always check the required case based on the preposition or sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, 'насмешка' often appears in literature and folklore as a tool for social commentary, as seen in works by Pushkin or Chekhov, where it highlights human flaws without direct confrontation. 'Издевательство' may evoke historical contexts like Soviet-era satire, reflecting resilience against oppression, which adds a layer of depth beyond simple mockery.

Related Concepts:

• сарказм
• ирония
• пародий