Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'oppose'

English Word: oppose

Key Russian Translations:

• Противостоять /prəˌtivɐˈsto.jətʲ/ - [Formal, often used in contexts of resistance or confrontation]
• Возражать /vɐzˈra.ʐatʲ/ - [Informal, commonly used in everyday discussions or debates]

Frequency: Medium (the word and its translations appear regularly in formal writing, debates, and media, but not in casual everyday conversation).

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it involves understanding verb aspects and conjugations; for 'Противостоять', it may be B2-B1 due to imperfective aspect, while 'Возражать' is generally B2).

Pronunciation (Russian):

Противостоять: /prəˌtivɐˈsto.jətʲ/ (Note on Противостоять: The stress falls on the third syllable, and the 'тʲ' sound is palatalized, which can be tricky for English speakers; practice with native audio for accurate rolling 'r'.)

Возражать: /vɐzˈra.ʐatʲ/ (Note on Возражать: The 'ж' sound is a voiced palatal fricative, similar to the 's' in 'measure'; ensure the stress on the second syllable for natural flow.)

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To actively resist or stand against something (e.g., in conflicts or debates)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Противостоять - Used in formal or serious contexts, such as political opposition or resistance to ideas.
• Возражать - Applied in informal settings, like everyday arguments or discussions.

Usage Examples:

• Они противостоят любым изменениям в законе. (They oppose any changes to the law.)

  English: They oppose any changes to the law. (This example shows 'Противостоять' in a formal, political context with imperfective aspect for ongoing resistance.)

• Я всегда возражаю, когда слышу несправедливые обвинения. (I always oppose when I hear unfair accusations.)

  English: I always oppose when I hear unfair accusations. (Here, 'Возражать' is used in an informal, personal context, highlighting verbal disagreement.)

• Эта группа противостоит глобализации, организуя протесты. (This group opposes globalization by organizing protests.)

  English: This group opposes globalization by organizing protests. (Demonstrates 'Противостоять' with a noun object and in a group action scenario.)

• Он возражает против плана, но предлагает альтернативы. (He opposes the plan but suggests alternatives.)

  English: He opposes the plan but suggests alternatives. (Illustrates 'Возражать' in a constructive debate, showing its versatility in discussions.)

• Мы должны противостоять коррупции на всех уровнях. (We must oppose corruption at all levels.)

  English: We must oppose corruption at all levels. (This uses 'Противостоять' in a broader, societal context with imperative mood.)

To express disagreement or objection in a verbal manner

Translation(s) & Context:

• Возражать - Ideal for spoken disagreements, such as in meetings or casual talks.
• Противостоять - Less common here, but can imply stronger, more principled objection.

Usage Examples:

• Во время собрания она возражает против нового бюджета. (During the meeting, she opposes the new budget.)

  English: During the meeting, she opposes the new budget. (Shows 'Возражать' in a professional setting with direct speech.)

• Я возражаю, потому что это неэтично. (I oppose this because it's unethical.)

  English: I oppose this because it's unethical. (Emphasizes 'Возражать' with a reason, common in ethical debates.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Противостоять' and 'Возражать' are imperfective verbs, which means they describe ongoing or repeated actions. Russian verbs conjugate based on tense, aspect, person, and number. 'Противостоять' is irregular in some forms, while 'Возражать' follows standard patterns.

Note: These verbs do not change in gender for the infinitive form but conjugate for gender in the past tense.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms for Противостоять: Сопротивляться (soprotivlyatsya) - Similar but emphasizes physical resistance; Борьба (bor'ba) - More about struggle in context.
• Synonyms for Возражать: Протестовать (protestovat') - Used for formal protests; Спорить (sporit') - Implies arguing.
• Antonyms: Поддерживать (podderzhivat') - To support; Соглашаться (soglaschatsya) - To agree.

Related Phrases:

• Против чего-то - Against something (e.g., in opposition to an idea; used to express basic disagreement).
• Возражать против - To object against (common in debates; implies active verbal pushback).
• Активно противостоять - To actively oppose (emphasizes ongoing effort in resistance movements).

Usage Notes:

'Противостоять' is more formal and often implies a sustained or principled opposition, making it suitable for contexts like politics or philosophy, whereas 'Возражать' is everyday and conversational, used for quick disagreements. English users should note that Russian verbs require aspect consideration—'Противостоять' is imperfective, so it's for incomplete actions. Choose based on context: use 'Возражать' for spoken English equivalents like 'I object,' and 'Противостоять' for 'to stand against.' Be mindful of grammatical cases, as objects often require the genitive case.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using 'Противостоять' in place of 'Возражать' in casual conversations, e.g., saying "Я противостою твоему предложению" instead of "Я возражаю твоему предложению."
  Correct: "Я возражаю твоему предложению" (I object to your proposal). Explanation: 'Противостоять' sounds overly formal and may confuse the tone; 'Возражать' is more appropriate for informal settings.
• Error: Forgetting verb conjugation, e.g., saying "Он противостать" instead of "Он противостоит."
  Correct: "Он противостоит" (He opposes). Explanation: Russian verbs must agree with subject in person and number; this is a common mistake for beginners learning verb endings.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, opposition (e.g., via 'Противостоять') often carries historical connotations from events like the Soviet era dissident movements, where standing against authority was a significant act of defiance. This can add a layer of resilience or heroism to the word, unlike in English where 'oppose' is more neutral.

Related Concepts:

• Конфликт (konflikt) - Conflict
• Протест (protest) - Protest
• Сопротивление (soprotivleniye) - Resistance