Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'predestine'

English Word: predestine

Key Russian Translations:

• Предопределять [prʲɪdɐprʲɪdʲɪlʲɪtʲ] - [Formal, used in philosophical or religious contexts]
• Предназначать [prʲɪdnəznətʲ] - [Formal, often in everyday or literary contexts]

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

Difficulty: Intermediate (B2) - The vocabulary involves understanding complex verb conjugations and abstract concepts; learners at this level should grasp it with practice.

Pronunciation (Russian):

Предопределять: [prʲɪdɐprʲɪdʲɪlʲɪtʲ]

Предназначать: [prʲɪdnəznətʲ]

Note on Предопределять: The pronunciation can be challenging due to the consonant clusters; focus on the stressed syllable "pre-" for correct emphasis. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: To determine or decree something in advance, often by fate or divine will.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предопределять - Used in formal, philosophical contexts, such as discussing predestination in religion.
• Предназначать - Applied in literary or everyday contexts, like predestining a role or outcome.

Usage Examples:

• Его судьба была предопределена с рождения. (His fate was predestined from birth.)

  English Translation: His fate was predestined from birth.

• Бог предназначил ему особую миссию в жизни. (God predestined him for a special mission in life.)

  English Translation: God predestined him for a special mission in life.

• В романе автор предопределяет结局 героев заранее. (In the novel, the author predestines the characters' endings in advance.)

  English Translation: In the novel, the author predestines the characters' endings in advance.

• Эта встреча предназначена, чтобы изменить его путь. (This meeting is predestined to change his path.)

  English Translation: This meeting is predestined to change his path.

• Астрология предопределяет будущее на основе звезд. (Astrology predestines the future based on the stars.)

  English Translation: Astrology predestines the future based on the stars. This example shows the word in a more abstract, deterministic context.

Secondary Meaning: To assign or appoint something in advance.

Translation(s) & Context:

• Предназначать - Common in contexts like planning or assigning roles, with a less fatalistic connotation.

Usage Examples:

• Родители предназначали ему карьеру в медицине. (His parents predestined him for a career in medicine.)

  English Translation: His parents predestined him for a career in medicine.

• Судьба предназначала ей встретить кого-то важного. (Fate predestined her to meet someone important.)

  English Translation: Fate predestined her to meet someone important. This illustrates a blend of personal and cosmic predestination.

• В контракте все роли предназначены заранее. (In the contract, all roles are predestined in advance.)

  English Translation: In the contract, all roles are predestined in advance.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Предопределять" and "Предназначать" are imperfective verbs in Russian, which means they express ongoing or repeated actions. Russian verbs follow specific conjugation patterns based on tense, aspect, person, and number. These verbs are regular in their conjugations but require attention to stem changes and endings.

If the verb is used in perfective aspect (e.g., "предопределить"), it indicates a completed action, but this is less common for "predestine."

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Обрекать [ɐbrʲɪˈkatʲ] - Similar but often implies a negative fate; used in dramatic contexts.
  • Суждено быть [suʒdʲɪˈno bitʲ] - Literally "to be fated," with a more passive connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • Изменять [ɪzmʲɪˈnatʲ] - To change or alter, opposing the idea of fixed predestination.
  • Свободный выбор [svɐˈbodnɨj vʲɪˈbor] - Free choice, contrasting with predetermined outcomes.

Related Phrases:

• Предопределено судьбой - (Predestined by fate) - A phrase used to describe events that are unchangeably set by destiny.
• Предназначение в жизни - (Life's predestination) - Refers to one's predetermined role or purpose, often in self-reflection.
• Божье предопределение - (Divine predestination) - Common in religious discussions, implying God's plan.

Usage Notes:

In Russian, "Предопределять" aligns closely with the theological concept of predestination in English, while "Предназначать" is more flexible and can refer to human planning. Use "Предопределять" for fatalistic or divine contexts, and "Предназначать" for intentional assignments. Be mindful of aspect: imperfective forms like these emphasize process over completion. English learners should note that Russian verbs require agreement with the subject, which can differ from English verb structures.

• When choosing between translations, opt for "Предопределять" in formal essays and "Предназначать" in narrative writing.
• Grammar tip: These verbs often pair with nouns like "судьба" (fate) to enhance context.

Common Errors:

One common mistake is confusing the imperfective and perfective aspects, e.g., using "Предопределили" (perfective past) when "Предопределяли" (imperfective past) is needed for ongoing actions. Incorrect: "Я предопределила свою жизнь" (implying a single completed act). Correct: "Я предопределяла свою жизнь" (for a continuous process). Another error is overusing these words in casual speech, as they sound overly formal; natives might prefer simpler phrases like "суждено."

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, concepts like predestination are deeply tied to literature (e.g., Dostoevsky's works) and Orthodox Christianity, where fate and divine will play significant roles. This reflects a historical fatalism in Russian philosophy, contrasting with Western ideas of free will, and can influence expressions of resignation or acceptance in daily life.

Related Concepts:

• Судьба (fate)
• Рок (destiny)
• Божий промысел (divine providence)