Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'predilection'

English Word: predilection

Key Russian Translations:

• предпочтение [prʲɪdnɐˈt͡ɕenʲɪje] - [Formal, Singular]
• склонность [ˈsklonnəsʲtʲ] - [Informal, Can be used in psychological contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, literature, and discussions about preferences, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of noun declensions and formal vocabulary; for 'предпочтение', it's B2, while 'склонность' might be B1 for simpler contexts)

Pronunciation (Russian):

предпочтение: [prʲɪdnɐˈt͡ɕenʲɪje]

склонность: [ˈsklonnəsʲtʲ]

Note on предпочтение: The stress is on the fourth syllable; be careful with the palatalized 'т' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. A common variant in fast speech might soften the 'ч'.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: A strong liking or preference for something, often habitual or innate.

Translation(s) & Context:

• предпочтение - Used in formal contexts, such as academic or professional discussions, to indicate a deliberate choice or bias.
• склонность - Applied in informal or psychological settings, implying a natural tendency rather than a conscious preference.

Usage Examples:

• У него есть явное предпочтение к классической музыке, которое проявляется в его повседневных привычках.

  He has a clear predilection for classical music, which shows in his daily habits.

• Её склонность к приключениям часто приводит к неожиданным путешествиям.

  Her predilection for adventures often leads to unexpected travels.

• В этом обществе предпочтение отдаётся образованным людям в вопросах лидерства.

  In this society, there is a predilection for educated people in matters of leadership.

• Его предпочтение к сладкому объясняется семейными традициями.

  His predilection for sweets is explained by family traditions.

• Склонность к риску может быть как преимуществом, так и недостатком в бизнесе.

  A predilection for risk can be both an advantage and a disadvantage in business.

Secondary Meaning: A bias or inclination towards something, potentially negative or subconscious.

Translation(s) & Context:

• предпочтение - In contexts involving criticism, such as bias in decision-making.
• склонность - Often used in psychological or medical discussions, e.g., innate biases.

Usage Examples:

• Судья должен избегать предпочтения в пользу одной стороны.

  A judge must avoid predilection in favor of one side.

• Его склонность к пессимизму влияет на всю команду.

  His predilection for pessimism affects the entire team.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'предпочтение' and 'склонность' are neuter nouns in Russian, which means they follow standard neuter declension patterns. 'Предпочтение' is a third-declension noun and inflects regularly, while 'склонность' is also regular but can vary slightly in usage.

These nouns do not have irregular forms, making them straightforward for learners, but always pay attention to case endings in sentences.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • увлечение (more emotional, implies passion)
  • наклонность (similar to склонность, but less formal)
• Antonyms:
  • отвращение (strong dislike)
  • неприязнь (aversion or hostility)

Related Phrases:

• иметь предпочтение к чему-то - To have a preference for something; used to express favoritism in choices.
• проявлять склонность - To show a tendency; often in behavioral or psychological contexts.
• предпочтение в пользу - Preference in favor of; indicates bias in decisions or selections.

Usage Notes:

'Предпочтение' directly corresponds to 'predilection' in formal English contexts, emphasizing a conscious choice, while 'склонность' aligns more with innate inclinations. Use 'предпочтение' in written or professional settings, and 'склонность' for personal or psychological discussions. Be mindful of Russian case requirements; for example, in genitive constructions like "предпочтение к музыке," it shows possession. When choosing between translations, opt for 'предпочтение' if the predilection is deliberate, and 'склонность' if it's subconscious.

Common Errors:

• Mistake: Using 'предпочтение' without proper case agreement, e.g., saying "Я имею предпочтение к" instead of "Я имею предпочтение к чему-то."
  Correct: "Я имею предпочтение к классической музыке." (Explanation: The dative case is needed for the object of preference.)
• Mistake: Confusing 'склонность' with 'предпочтение' in formal contexts, leading to understatement of intent.
  Correct: Use 'предпочтение' for deliberate bias; e.g., avoid saying "Его склонность к работе" when "Его предпочтение к работе" better conveys a strong choice.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, expressing 'предпочтение' can reflect societal values, such as a preference for intellectual pursuits over material ones, rooted in historical emphasis on education during the Soviet era. 'Склонность' might be linked to personality traits in literature, as seen in works by Tolstoy, where innate tendencies drive character development.

Related Concepts:

• интерес
• пристрастие
• тенденция