Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'oracle'

English Word: oracle

Key Russian Translations:

• оракул /ɐˈrakʊl/ - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but appears in historical, literary, or philosophical contexts.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with Russian noun declensions and vocabulary related to mythology or wisdom.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

оракул: /ɐˈrakʊl/

Note on оракул: The stress falls on the second syllable (/ɐˈrakʊl/), which is a common feature in Russian words of foreign origin. Be careful with the rolled 'r' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

A person or thing regarded as a source of wise counsel or prophetic predictions (e.g., in mythology or modern contexts).

Translation(s) & Context:

• оракул - Used in formal, literary, or historical contexts to refer to an authoritative source of wisdom, such as ancient prophecies.

Usage Examples:

• Древний оракул Дельфи предсказал исход войны.

  The ancient oracle of Delphi predicted the outcome of the war.

• В современном мире компьютерные алгоритмы иногда называют оракулами из-за их точных прогнозов.

  In the modern world, computer algorithms are sometimes called oracles due to their accurate predictions.

• Оракул в храме давал советы паломникам на протяжении веков.

  The oracle in the temple gave advice to pilgrims for centuries.

• Она считается оракулом в мире финансов, так как её предсказания всегда точны.

  She is considered an oracle in the world of finance because her predictions are always accurate.

• Оракул древней Греции часто использовал загадочные ответы, чтобы направить людей.

  The oracle of ancient Greece often used cryptic answers to guide people.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Оракул" is a masculine noun (masc. singular) borrowed from Greek, and it follows standard Russian declension patterns for nouns ending in a consonant. It is inflected based on case and number. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: This word does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for intermediate learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: пророк (/prɐˈrok/) - Often used for a prophet in a religious sense, with a slight connotation of divine inspiration.
• пророчество (/prɐrɐˈʧʲestvə/) - Refers more to the act or message of prophecy.
• Antonyms: скептик (/skʲeˈptʲik/) - Implies doubt or disbelief, contrasting with the authoritative nature of an oracle.
• неверующий (/nʲɪvʲɪˈrujuʂʲij/) - Means non-believer, highlighting skepticism toward prophetic sources.

Related Phrases:

• Консультироваться у оракула - To consult the oracle; used metaphorically for seeking expert advice in decision-making.
• Оракул судьбы - The oracle of fate; refers to something that determines one's destiny, often in literary contexts.
• Древний оракул - Ancient oracle; commonly used when discussing historical or mythological figures.

Usage Notes:

• The Russian word "оракул" directly corresponds to the English "oracle" in contexts involving prophecy, wisdom, or authoritative advice, but it is more commonly found in formal, literary, or historical discussions rather than everyday speech.
• In Russian, it is often used in singular form and requires proper declension based on sentence structure; for example, in genitive case for possession (e.g., "совет оракула" - the advice of the oracle).
• When choosing between synonyms like "пророк", opt for "оракул" if the context emphasizes ancient or mystical elements, as it carries a more neutral, Greco-Roman connotation.
• Be mindful of cultural nuances: In Russian literature, "оракул" might imply a sense of inevitability, so it's ideal for philosophical texts.

Common Errors:

• English learners often confuse "оракул" with "пророк" and use them interchangeably, but "оракул" specifically implies a consultation mechanism (e.g., a shrine), while "пророк" refers to a person. Incorrect: "Он пророк в храме" (He is a prophet in the temple). Correct: "Он оракул в храме" if meaning an oracle site. Explanation: Use "оракул" for the institution or source, not just the individual.
• Mispronouncing the word by stressing the wrong syllable, such as /ˈɐrakʊl/ instead of /ɐˈrakʊl/, which can make it sound unnatural. Explanation: Always stress the second syllable to align with standard Russian phonetics.
• Overusing in casual speech; for example, saying "Мой друг — оракул" to mean "My friend is very wise," which might sound overly dramatic. Explanation: Reserve it for formal or metaphorical use to avoid exaggeration.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "оракул" often evokes images of ancient Greek oracles like the one at Delphi, which have influenced Russian literature and philosophy through translations of classical works. This word carries a sense of mystery and fate, reflecting Russia's historical fascination with mysticism and prophecy, as seen in works by authors like Pushkin or in folk traditions involving fortune-telling.

Related Concepts:

• пророчество
• гадание
• мифология