Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'promiscuity'

English Word: promiscuity

Key Russian Translations:

• распущенность [rɐˈspuʂənnəsʲtʲ] - [Formal, often used in psychological or moral contexts]
• промискуитет [prəmɪskʊɪˈtɛt] - [Formal, borrowed from English/French, used in medical or sociological discussions]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of behavior, psychology, or social issues, but not in everyday casual conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate, as it requires understanding nuanced moral and cultural connotations; for 'распущенность', it may be slightly easier for B1 learners, while 'промискуитет' is more advanced due to its borrowed nature)

Pronunciation (Russian):

распущенность: [rɐˈspuʂənnəsʲtʲ]

Note on распущенность: The stress falls on the third syllable ('pu'), and the 'щ' sound is a soft, palatalized 'sh' which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Pronounce it with a clear roll on the 'r'.

промискуитет: [prəmɪskʊɪˈtɛt]

Note on промискуитет: This is a loanword, so it's pronounced similarly to its English origin, but with Russian phonetics; the 'и' is a short 'i' sound, and stress is on the third syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The state of having casual sexual relationships without commitment.

Translation(s) & Context:

• распущенность - Used in formal or critical contexts to describe morally loose behavior, often with a negative connotation in literature or psychology.
• промискуитет - Applied in academic, medical, or neutral discussions, such as in studies of human sexuality, without as strong a moral judgment.

Usage Examples:

• Его распущенность в молодости привела к серьёзным последствиям в личной жизни.

  His promiscuity in his youth led to serious consequences in his personal life. (This example shows the word in a reflective, narrative context.)

• В некоторых культурах промискуитет рассматривается как норма, но в России это часто табуируется.

  In some cultures, promiscuity is viewed as normal, but in Russia, it is often tabooed. (Illustrates cultural comparison in a sociological discussion.)

• Психолог обсудил распущенность как симптом более глубоких эмоциональных проблем.

  The psychologist discussed promiscuity as a symptom of deeper emotional issues. (Demonstrates use in a professional, psychological setting.)

• Молодёжь сегодня иногда выбирает промискуитет как форму самовыражения.

  Youth today sometimes choose promiscuity as a form of self-expression. (Shows a more neutral, modern usage in social commentary.)

• Её распущенность стала темой сплетен в маленьком городе.

  Her promiscuity became the subject of gossip in the small town. (Highlights informal, everyday social contexts with a judgmental tone.)

Broader moral or behavioral implications.

Translation(s) & Context:

• распущенность - In broader contexts, it can refer to general moral laxity, not just sexual behavior.
• промискуитет - Less common in non-sexual contexts, but can extend to social behaviors in academic writing.

Usage Examples:

• Распущенность в поведении подростков часто приводит к конфликтам с родителями.

  Promiscuity in teenagers' behavior often leads to conflicts with parents. (Extends to general indiscipline.)

• Промискуитет идей в искусстве может стимулировать творчество.

  Promiscuity of ideas in art can stimulate creativity. (A metaphorical use, though less common.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both primary translations are nouns. 'распущенность' is a feminine noun (3rd declension), which follows standard Russian adjective-derived noun patterns. It is invariable in some forms but changes by case and number. 'промискуитет' is a masculine noun and is largely indeclinable as a loanword.

Note: 'промискуитет' has irregular or simplified inflections due to its foreign origin, making it easier for learners in some cases.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • развратность (razvratnost') - Similar but often implies more extreme moral corruption.
  • легкомыслие (legkomyslie) - Lighter connotation, focusing on frivolity rather than sexuality.
• Antonyms:
  • верность (vernost') - Loyalty or fidelity in relationships.
  • целомудрие (tselomudrie) - Chastity or purity.

Related Phrases:

• свободные отношения - Free relationships (Refers to non-committed partnerships, often implying promiscuity in casual contexts.)
• неразборчивость в связях - Indiscriminate in connections (Used for casual or risky relationships, with a warning tone.)
• развратный образ жизни - Dissolute lifestyle (A broader phrase encompassing promiscuous behavior and excess.)

Usage Notes:

'Распущенность' directly corresponds to the negative, moralistic undertone of 'promiscuity' in English, making it ideal for literary or judgmental contexts. In contrast, 'промискуитет' is more neutral and scientific, similar to English usage in psychology. Be cautious with these words in Russian conversations, as they can carry strong cultural stigma; use them in formal settings only. For beginners, start with 'распущенность' due to its native roots, but note that Russian grammar requires correct case agreement in sentences.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'распущенность' with 'распутство' (a synonym meaning debauchery) - Error: Using 'распутство' in a medical context. Correct: Use 'промискуитет' for clinical discussions. Explanation: 'распутство' is more archaic and intense, potentially exaggerating the meaning.
• Misinflecting the noun - Error: Saying 'распущенностьы' (incorrect plural). Correct: 'распущенности'. Explanation: Russian nouns follow specific declension patterns; always check the case based on sentence structure to avoid grammatical errors.
• Overusing in informal speech - Error: Casually saying 'Ты в промискуитете?' instead of a more appropriate phrase. Correct: Use euphemisms like 'свободные отношения' in everyday talk. Explanation: These words can sound overly formal or offensive in casual settings, leading to social awkwardness.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like 'распущенность' often evoke traditional values tied to family and morality, influenced by historical Orthodox Christian norms. Promiscuity is frequently portrayed negatively in literature (e.g., in works by Tolstoy) as a sign of moral decay, reflecting societal conservatism that persists today, especially outside urban areas.

Related Concepts:

• мораль (moral')
• сексуальность (seksual'nost')
• верность (vernost')