Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'notoriously'

English Word: notoriously

Key Russian Translations:

• известно [ɪzˈvʲestnə] - [Formal, often used in written or neutral contexts]
• скандально [skɐnˈdalʲnə] - [Informal, emphasizes negative connotation]

Frequency: Medium (commonly encountered in news, literature, and everyday discussions about reputation, but not as frequent as basic adverbs).

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate, per CEFR; requires understanding of abstract concepts and adverbial usage. For 'известно', it may be easier for beginners; for 'скандально', it could lean towards B2 due to emotional nuance).

Pronunciation (Russian):

известно: [ɪzˈvʲestnə]

скандально: [skɐnˈdalʲnə]

Note on известно: The stress is on the second syllable; be mindful of the soft 'v' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers due to the palatalized consonant.

Note on скандально: Pronounce with a clear 'sk' cluster; variations in speed can affect the emphasis on the negative tone.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: In a way that is famous or well-known, especially for something negative or unfavorable

Translation(s) & Context:

• известно - Used in formal contexts to describe something widely recognized, often with a negative undertone, such as in historical or social discussions.
• скандально - Applied in informal or sensational contexts, highlighting scandalous or controversial aspects.

Usage Examples:

• Этот политик известен своими коррупционными скандалами.

  This politician is notoriously involved in corruption scandals.

• Город известен высоким уровнем преступности.

  The city is notoriously high in crime rates.

• Она скандально вела себя на вечеринке, что шокировало гостей.

  She behaved notoriously at the party, shocking the guests.

• Эта компания известна задержками в поставках продукции.

  This company is notoriously delayed in product deliveries.

• В истории России некоторые правители известны своими жестокими реформами.

  In Russian history, some rulers are notoriously known for their brutal reforms.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

'Известно' is primarily an adverbial form derived from the adjective 'известный' (famous). It does not inflect as a typical adverb but can vary based on context. As an adjective, 'известный' inflects according to Russian grammatical rules for adjectives.

For 'скандально', it is an adverb and does not inflect; it remains unchanged in all contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • прославленно (proslavlenno) - More neutral, implying fame without strong negativity.
  • заслуженно (zasluzhenno) - Suggests earned reputation, often positive or neutral.
• Antonyms:
  • неизвестно (neizvestno) - Unknown or obscure.
  • анонимно (anonimno) - Anonymously, without fame.

Related Phrases:

• Известно всем - Known to everyone; used to emphasize widespread awareness of a negative fact.
• Скандально прославленный - Notoriously famous; a phrase combining elements for dramatic effect.
• Известный факт - A notorious fact; common in discussions of history or current events.

Usage Notes:

'Известно' directly corresponds to 'notoriously' when emphasizing negative fame, but it's more formal and often used in written Russian. Choose 'скандально' for informal or emotional contexts. Be cautious with gender and case agreements if using related adjectives. In sentences, it typically modifies verbs or follows the subject to highlight reputation.

• Always consider the context: 'Известно' can sometimes imply positive fame, unlike the strongly negative 'notoriously'.
• When selecting between translations, opt for 'известно' in academic or neutral writing, and 'скандально' in conversational or media settings.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse 'известно' with 'знаменитый' (famous), using it incorrectly for positive contexts. For example:

• Error: Он известен своим талантом. (Intended to mean "He is famous for his talent," but if negative, it might not fit 'notoriously'.)
• Correct: Он скандально известен своими скандалами. (He is notoriously known for his scandals.) - This adds the negative nuance.
• Another common mistake is improper adverb placement; always place it near the verb for clarity, e.g., avoid "Известно он" and use "Он известен".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'известно' often relate to historical figures or events with mixed reputations, such as Soviet-era leaders who are notoriously remembered for both achievements and controversies. This reflects Russia's complex history, where public perception can shift based on political narratives.

Related Concepts:

• прославленный
• скандальный
• репутация