Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'perversity'

English Word: perversity

Key Russian Translations:

• извращенность /ɪzvrəˈʃɛnnəstʲ/ - [Formal]
• похоть /ˈpoxətʲ/ - [Informal, often with sexual connotations]

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

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of abstract concepts and nuanced vocabulary; for "извращенность", it may be C1 due to its formal register.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

извращенность: /ɪzvrəˈʃɛnnəstʲ/

похоть: /ˈpoxətʲ/

Note on извращенность: The stress falls on the third syllable ("ʃɛnnəstʲ"), and the initial "и" is pronounced as a soft "i" sound, which can be tricky for beginners. Variations in regional accents may soften the consonants.

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Meanings and Usage:

The quality of being perverse, contrary to what is accepted, or involving deliberate deviation from norms.

Translation(s) & Context:

• извращенность - Used in formal contexts like psychology, literature, or ethical discussions to describe moral or behavioral deviation.
• похоть - Applied in informal or colloquial settings, often implying sexual perversity, such as in casual conversations or media.

Usage Examples:

• Его извращенность в выборе друзей часто удивляет окружающих.

  His perversity in choosing friends often surprises those around him.

• Похоть в его поведении стала причиной многих конфликтов.

  The perversity in his behavior became the cause of many conflicts.

• Извращенность человеческой природы иногда проявляется в самых неожиданных ситуациях.

  The perversity of human nature sometimes manifests in the most unexpected situations.

• В литературе извращенность персонажа подчеркивает тему морального упадка.

  In literature, the perversity of the character highlights the theme of moral decline.

• Ее похоть к рискованным приключениям граничит с безрассудством.

  Her perversity towards risky adventures borders on recklessness.

Another meaning: Deliberate enjoyment of wrongdoing or contradiction.

Translation(s) & Context:

• извращенность - In philosophical or everyday contexts, emphasizing intellectual or emotional perversity.

Usage Examples:

• Извращенность его аргументов делает дебаты бессмысленными.

  The perversity of his arguments makes debates pointless.

• Такая извращенность мышления может быть признаком творческого гения.

  Such perversity of thinking can be a sign of creative genius.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Извращенность" is a feminine noun in the first declension. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns, with changes based on case and number. "Похоть" is also a feminine noun but in the third declension, which has fewer variations.

Note: These words do not have irregular inflections, making them relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • перверсия (perversiya) - More clinical, often used in psychological contexts.
  • аберрация (aberatsiya) - Implies deviation, with a focus on abnormality.
• Antonyms:
  • нормальность (normalnost') - Standard opposite, meaning normality.
  • правильность (pravilnost') - Emphasizes correctness or propriety.

Related Phrases:

• Извращенная логика - Twisted logic; used to describe illogical or contradictory reasoning.
• Похоть плоти - Lust of the flesh; a phrase from religious or moral contexts implying base desires.
• Моральная извращенность - Moral perversity; common in ethical discussions.

Usage Notes:

"Извращенность" is the most precise translation for "perversity" in formal English contexts, such as philosophy or psychology, and should be used when discussing inherent character traits. "Похоть" is better suited for informal or sexual connotations, which may not always align with the English word's broader meaning. Be cautious with register: "извращенность" is neutral to formal, while "похоть" can be vulgar. In sentences, ensure agreement in gender, number, and case, as Russian requires. For example, choose "извращенность" over "похоть" when the context is non-sexual to avoid misinterpretation.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using "извращенность" interchangeably with "похоть" in all contexts. Correct: Извращенность его идей (The perversity of his ideas). Incorrect: Похоть его идей (This implies sexual lust, which is inaccurate). Explanation: English speakers often overlook the sexual nuance of "похоть," leading to unintended offense.
• Mistake: Forgetting declension, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: О его извращенности (About his perversity). Incorrect: О его извращенность. Explanation: Russian nouns must change based on case, so always check the sentence structure.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "извращенность" often appear in literary works by authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky, who explored themes of moral perversity and human contradiction. This reflects a broader cultural fascination with the complexities of the human psyche, influenced by historical events like the Soviet era's suppression of individualism, where such traits were sometimes portrayed as rebellion.

Related Concepts:

• аберрация
• девиация
• аморальность