Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'plutocracy'

English Word: plutocracy

Key Russian Translations:

• плутократия [plʊtɔkrətʲɪjə] - [Formal]

Frequency: Low (This term is rarely used in everyday conversation, primarily in academic, political, or historical contexts.)

Difficulty: C1 (Advanced; suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian vocabulary and grammar, as it involves specialized political terminology.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

плутократия: [plʊtɔkrətʲɪjə]

Note on плутократия: The stress falls on the penultimate syllable (крати́я). Pay attention to the soft 'т' sound, which is a common challenge for English speakers. Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A system of government or society controlled by the wealthy elite.

Translation(s) & Context:

• плутократия - Used in formal discussions of political systems, often in academic or journalistic contexts to describe wealth-based power structures.

Usage Examples:

• В некоторых странах плутократия доминирует в политической жизни, где богатые элиты определяют законы.

  In some countries, plutocracy dominates political life, where wealthy elites determine the laws.

• Историки часто анализируют, как плутократия влияла на развитие древних цивилизаций.

  Historians often analyze how plutocracy influenced the development of ancient civilizations.

• В современном мире плутократия может проявляться через влияние корпораций на государственную политику.

  In the modern world, plutocracy can manifest through the influence of corporations on state policy.

• Критики плутократии утверждают, что она усугубляет социальное неравенство.

  Critics of plutocracy argue that it exacerbates social inequality.

• Плутократия, как форма правления, редко встречается в чистом виде, но её элементы видны в многих экономиках.

  Plutocracy, as a form of government, is rarely seen in its pure form, but its elements are visible in many economies.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"Плутократия" is a feminine noun in the first declension (ending in -ия). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for case and number. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This noun does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners once basic declension rules are understood.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • олигархия (oligarchy) - Often used interchangeably, but emphasizes rule by a small group of elites rather than specifically the wealthy.
  • аристократия (aristocracy) - Refers to rule by the nobility, with subtle differences in historical context.
• Antonyms:
  • демократия (democracy) - Rule by the people, contrasting with wealth-based governance.
  • социализм (socialism) - Emphasizes collective or state control, opposing elite wealth dominance.

Related Phrases:

• плутократический режим - A plutocratic regime; refers to a government system dominated by the wealthy.
• влияние плутократии - The influence of plutocracy; used to discuss how wealth affects policy decisions.
• борьба с плутократией - Struggle against plutocracy; common in activist or reformist contexts, implying efforts to reduce elite control.

Usage Notes:

"Плутократия" directly corresponds to the English "plutocracy" and is best used in formal, academic, or political discussions. It is not appropriate for casual conversation due to its specialized nature. When translating, ensure the context highlights wealth-based power; for example, pair it with adjectives like "буржуазная" (bourgeois) for nuance. If multiple translations are available, choose "плутократия" for precision in historical or modern analyses, but be aware of regional variations in Russian-speaking countries where synonyms like "олигархия" might be preferred for contemporary settings.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "плутократия" with "бюрократия" (bureaucracy): Learners often mix these due to similar sounds. Incorrect: "В стране бюрократия правит" (meaning plutocracy). Correct: "В стране плутократия доминирует". Explanation: "Бюрократия" refers to rule by officials, not wealth, so context is key to differentiation.

• Overusing in informal contexts: Error example: Using "плутократия" in everyday talk, e.g., "Мой босс — плутократия" (My boss is plutocracy). Correct: Avoid this term in casual speech; use in essays or debates instead. Explanation: It sounds overly formal and may confuse listeners.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, "плутократия" often evokes discussions of the post-Soviet era, where oligarchs (wealthy business figures) gained significant influence, similar to perceptions of plutocracy in Western societies. This term carries a critical connotation, reflecting anti-elite sentiments in Russian literature and media, such as in works by authors critiquing economic inequality during the tsarist or modern periods.

Related Concepts:

• олигархия
• аристократия
• капитализм
• элитизм