Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'monogamy'

English Word: monogamy

Key Russian Translations:

• моногамия [mɐnɐˈɡamʲɪjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (This term is commonly encountered in academic, sociological, or relationship discussions, but not in everyday casual conversation.)

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) (As a borrowed word from English/Greek roots, it requires familiarity with abstract concepts and Russian nominal inflections, suitable for learners beyond basic levels.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

моногамия: [mɐnɐˈɡamʲɪjə]

Note on моногамия: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ɡamʲ"), which is a common challenge for English speakers due to Russian's variable stress patterns. Pronounce the "й" sound as a soft palatal approximant.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of being in a relationship or marriage with only one partner at a time

Translation(s) & Context:

• моногамия - Used in formal contexts such as sociological discussions, legal texts, or academic writing to describe exclusive partnerships; it is a direct loanword and aligns closely with the English concept.

Usage Examples:

• В современном обществе моногамия является нормой для большинства пар.

  In modern society, monogamy is the norm for most couples.

• Моногамия подразумевает полную верность одному партнеру на протяжении всей жизни.

  Monogamy implies complete fidelity to one partner throughout life.

• В некоторых культурах моногамия сочетается с религиозными традициями.

  In some cultures, monogamy is combined with religious traditions.

• Психологи часто обсуждают преимущества моногамии в контексте эмоционального здоровья.

  Psychologists often discuss the benefits of monogamy in the context of emotional health.

• Моногамия может быть сложной в эпоху глобализации и мобильности.

  Monogamy can be challenging in the era of globalization and mobility.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Моногамия" is a feminine noun (from the first declension in Russian). It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case, number, and gender. As a modern loanword, it does not have irregular forms.

Note: The plural forms are less commonly used, as "моногамия" typically refers to a general concept rather than countable instances.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • верность (fidelity) - More general, emphasizing loyalty in relationships; often used interchangeably in emotional contexts.
  • единобрачие (exclusive marriage) - A less common synonym, specifically for marital exclusivity.
• Antonyms:
  • полигамия (polygamy) - Refers to having multiple spouses, contrasting directly with monogamy.
  • свободные отношения (free relationships) - Informal term for non-exclusive partnerships.

Related Phrases:

• традиционная моногамия - Traditional monogamy; refers to culturally standard exclusive relationships.
• социальная моногамия - Social monogamy; used in anthropological contexts to describe pair-bonding in societies.
• эмоциональная моногамия - Emotional monogamy; implies exclusivity in feelings, even if not legally binding.

Usage Notes:

"Моногамия" is a direct equivalent to the English "monogamy" and is typically used in formal or academic settings. It does not have colloquial alternatives, so English learners should reserve it for written or professional discussions. Be mindful of Russian case inflections when using it in sentences, as it must agree with the grammatical context (e.g., in genitive case for possession). When choosing between synonyms like "верность," opt for "моногамия" if the focus is on structural relationship exclusivity rather than emotional loyalty.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "моногамия" with "полигамия": English learners often mix up these terms due to their similarity. Incorrect: "Они практикуют моногамию с несколькими партнерами." (They practice monogamy with several partners.) Correct: "Они практикуют полигамию с несколькими партнерами." Explanation: "Моногамия" strictly means one partner, so using it with "несколькими" (several) creates a logical contradiction.

• Forgetting case inflections: Learners might use the nominative form in all contexts. Incorrect: "О моногамия" (instead of "О моногамии" in prepositional case). Correct: "Разговор о моногамии." Explanation: Always adjust for case to maintain grammatical accuracy in Russian sentences.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, monogamy is the societal norm, influenced by Orthodox Christian traditions and Soviet-era family policies that promoted nuclear families. However, historical contexts, such as pre-revolutionary Russia, allowed more flexible arrangements in some rural communities, highlighting how "моногамия" carries connotations of modernity and state-sanctioned relationships.

Related Concepts:

• брак (marriage)
• семья (family)
• верность (fidelity)
• полигамия (polygamy)