Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'recant'

English Word: recant

Key Russian Translations:

• Отречься /ɐˈtrʲet͡ɕɪsʲə/ - [Formal, used in contexts involving denial of beliefs or statements]
• Отказаться /ɐtkəˈzatsə/ - [Informal, broader sense of refusing or withdrawing, but less precise for formal recantation]

Frequency: Medium (This verb is commonly encountered in literary, historical, or formal discussions in Russian, but not in everyday casual speech.)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires understanding of reflexive verbs and formal language structures. For 'Отказаться', it may be slightly easier at B1.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Отречься: /ɐˈtrʲet͡ɕɪsʲə/ (Note the emphasis on the second syllable; the 'rʲ' indicates a palatalized 'r', which is a common challenge for English speakers.)

Отказаться: /ɐtkəˈzatsə/ (Emphasize the third syllable; pay attention to the soft 'z' sound.)

Note on Отречься: This word involves a reflexive suffix '-ся', which can be tricky; it's pronounced with a soft ending that might vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To formally withdraw or disavow a previously stated opinion or belief

Translation(s) & Context:

• Отречься - Used in formal, philosophical, or legal contexts, such as renouncing a faith or statement under pressure.
• Отказаться - Applied in everyday situations where one withdraws from a commitment, but it's less formal than Отречься.

Usage Examples:

• Он отрёкся от своих прежних убеждений под давлением властей.

  He recanted his former beliefs under pressure from the authorities.

• В суде обвиняемый отрёкся от показаний, данных ранее.

  In court, the defendant recanted the testimony he had given earlier.

• После размышлений, она отказалась от своих слов, но это не было формальным отречением.

  After thinking it over, she recanted her words, but it wasn't a formal disavowal.

• Многие учёные в прошлом отрекались от теорий, чтобы избежать преследования.

  Many scholars in the past recanted their theories to avoid persecution.

• Он отказался от обещания, но не отрёкся публично.

  He recanted his promise, but did not do so publicly.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both 'Отречься' and 'Отказаться' are reflexive verbs in Russian, which means they end in '-ся' and follow standard conjugation patterns for imperfective verbs. 'Отречься' is imperfective, while related perfective forms exist (e.g., 'Отречь'). Here is a conjugation table for 'Отречься' in the present tense:

For 'Отказаться', it is also imperfective and conjugates similarly:

These verbs do not change in gender or number in their base form but must agree with the subject in person and number. They are aspectually imperfective, meaning they describe ongoing or repeated actions.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Отвергнуть (otvergnut') - To reject; similar but often more decisive.
  • Покаяться (pokayatsya) - To repent; used in religious contexts with slight nuance of regret.
• Antonyms:
  • Подтвердить (podtverdit') - To confirm.
  • Защитить (zashchitit') - To defend.

Related Phrases:

• Отречься от веры - To recant one's faith (used in historical or religious contexts, implying a formal denial).
• Отказаться от слов - To take back one's words (more casual, everyday usage).
• Публично отречься - To publicly recant (emphasizes the public nature of the act).

Usage Notes:

'Отречься' is the most direct equivalent to 'recant' in formal English contexts, especially involving ideological or legal renunciation. It carries a connotation of permanence and is often used in written or official Russian. 'Отказаться' is broader and can translate to 'refuse' or 'withdraw', so choose based on context—use 'Отречься' for statements of belief and 'Отказаться' for general promises. Be mindful of the reflexive '-ся' ending, which indicates the action is directed back to the subject. In spoken Russian, these verbs may vary by region, but standard forms are widely understood.

Common Errors:

• Confusing 'Отречься' with 'Отказаться': English learners often use 'Отказаться' interchangeably, but it lacks the formal, ideological weight. Error: "Я отказался от моих идей." (Incorrect for recanting beliefs) Correct: "Я отрёкся от моих идей." Explanation: 'Отречься' implies a deeper, more public denial.
• Omitting the reflexive suffix: Saying "Отречь" instead of "Отречься" changes the meaning to a non-reflexive form, which is incorrect. Error: "Он отречь свои слова." Correct: "Он отрёкся от своих слов." Explanation: The '-ся' is essential for reflexivity.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and history, 'отречься' is often associated with events like the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II in 1917, symbolizing a dramatic renunciation of power. It carries emotional and historical weight, especially in contexts of political oppression, as seen in Soviet-era dissident stories, where individuals might recant under duress to avoid persecution.

Related Concepts:

• Покаяние (pokayanie) - Repentance
• Измена (izmena) - Betrayal
• Верность (vernosc') - Loyalty