Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'precognition'

English Word: precognition

Key Russian Translations:

• Предвидение [prʲɪd.vʲɪˈdʲe.nʲɪ.jə] - [Formal, used in scientific or philosophical contexts]
• Предчувствие [prʲɪt͡ɕʊˈvstvʲɪ.jə] - [Informal, emotional or intuitive contexts]

Frequency: Low (This word and its translations are not commonly used in everyday conversation but appear in literature, psychology, or discussions about the supernatural.)

Difficulty: B2-C1 (Intermediate to Advanced; requires understanding of abstract concepts and Russian noun declensions, with slight variations in nuance between translations.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Предвидение: [prʲɪd.vʲɪˈdʲe.nʲɪ.jə]

Note on Предвидение: The stress falls on the third syllable. Be cautious with the soft 'д' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers due to the palatalization.

Предчувствие: [prʲɪt͡ɕʊˈvstvʲɪ.jə]

Note on Предчувствие: The 'ч' is a voiceless palatal fricative, similar to 'ch' in 'church', and the word has a rolling stress on the third syllable. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: The ability to foresee or have foreknowledge of future events (e.g., psychic or intuitive prediction)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предвидение - Used in formal contexts like scientific discussions or literature to denote a rational or prophetic foresight.
• Предчувствие - Applied in informal, emotional scenarios, such as personal intuitions or premonitions.

Usage Examples:

• У меня было предвидение о предстоящей катастрофе.

  I had a precognition about the upcoming disaster. (This example shows the word in a formal, predictive context, emphasizing intellectual foresight.)

• Её предчувствие спасло нас от опасности.

  Her precognition saved us from danger. (Here, it illustrates an informal, gut-feeling intuition in a real-life scenario.)

• В романе описывается герой с даром предвидения.

  The novel describes a hero with the gift of precognition. (Demonstrates usage in literary or narrative contexts.)

• Предчувствие войны нарастало в обществе.

  A sense of precognition about war was building in society. (Shows the word in a broader social or historical context.)

• С помощью предвидения он избежал финансового краха.

  With precognition, he avoided financial ruin. (Highlights practical application in decision-making.)

Meaning 2: A sudden intuitive feeling about something that will happen (more emotional than intellectual)

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предчувствие - Preferred for personal, emotional premonitions, often in everyday or psychological discussions.
• Предвидение - Less common here, but used if the intuition is more reasoned or visionary.

Usage Examples:

• Его предчувствие о встрече с другом оказалось верным.

  His precognition about meeting a friend turned out to be true. (This shows an informal, personal intuition.)

• Предвидение будущего часто встречается в мистических текстах.

  Precognition of the future often appears in mystical texts. (Illustrates a more formal or literary use.)

• Она игнорировала своё предчувствие и пожалела об этом.

  She ignored her precognition and regretted it. (Demonstrates regret in emotional contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Предвидение" and "Предчувствие" are neuter nouns in Russian, following the standard third declension pattern. They are regular in their inflections, meaning they change based on case, number, and gender as per Russian grammar rules.

Note: These nouns do not change in plural forms as they are abstract concepts, but if used in plural contexts, they follow standard neuter plural patterns (e.g., Предвидения for genitive plural).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Пророчество (prorochestvo) - More prophetic, often religious connotation.
  • Интуиция (intuitsiya) - General intuition, less specific to future events.
• Antonyms:
  • Незнание (neznaniye) - Ignorance, lack of knowledge.
  • Слепота (slepota) - Blindness, metaphorical for lack of foresight.

Related Phrases:

• Иметь предчувствие - To have a premonition; used for intuitive feelings about the future.
• Дар предвидения - The gift of precognition; common in discussions of psychic abilities.
• Предчувствие беды - A sense of impending doom; an idiomatic expression for negative forebodings.

Usage Notes:

Use "Предвидение" for more formal or intellectual contexts, such as in psychology or science, where precognition implies a reasoned prediction. "Предчувствие" is better for emotional or everyday situations, like personal hunches. English speakers should note that Russian nouns decline, so pay attention to case endings in sentences. When choosing between translations, consider the context: if it's psychic or supernatural, "Предвидение" might fit; for gut feelings, opt for "Предчувствие". Avoid direct word-for-word translation; instead, adapt to natural Russian phrasing.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Предвидение" in casual conversations as a direct synonym for "feeling." Correct: In informal settings, "Предчувствие" is more appropriate. Example of error: *У меня предвидение, что пойдёт дождь* (Incorrect, sounds overly formal). Correct: У меня предчувствие, что пойдёт дождь. Explanation: "Предвидение" implies a deeper, often prophetic insight, while "Предчувствие" suits everyday intuitions.

• Error: Forgetting noun declensions, e.g., using nominative in all cases. Correct: Always adjust for case, as in dative: Довериться предвидению (To trust in precognition). Explanation: This can make sentences grammatically incorrect and confusing to native speakers.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like precognition are often linked to folklore and literature, such as in the works of Dostoevsky or Pushkin, where premonitions reflect themes of fate and destiny. This ties into Slavic traditions of mysticism and the supernatural, where such abilities might be attributed to folk heroes or prophetic figures, emphasizing a cultural fascination with the unknown.

Related Concepts:

• Пророчество (prophecy)
• Интуиция (intuition)
• Сновидение (dream vision)