Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'reprehensible'

English Word: reprehensible

Key Russian Translations:

• Постыдный [pɐˈstɨdnɨj] - [Formal, Adjective]
• Неприемлемый [nʲɪprʲɪjɛmʲlʲɪmɨj] - [Formal, Adjective, Used in legal or ethical contexts]

Frequency: Medium (Common in formal writing, discussions on ethics, and media, but not everyday casual speech)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate level; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and nuanced moral vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

Постыдный: [pɐˈstɨdnɨj]

Note on Постыдный: The stress falls on the second syllable; be careful with the soft 'т' sound, which can be tricky for English speakers. Variations may occur in regional dialects.

Неприемлемый: [nʲɪprʲɪjɛmʲlʲɪmɨj]

Note on Неприемлемый: Pronounce the initial 'н' softly; the word has a flowing rhythm, and the 'й' sound is palatalized.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Primary Meaning: Worthy of strong disapproval due to moral or ethical reasons

Translation(s) & Context:

• Постыдный - Used in contexts involving personal shame or societal judgment, such as criticizing behavior in formal essays or speeches.
• Неприемлемый - Applied in professional or legal settings, like condemning actions in contracts or ethical guidelines.

Usage Examples:

• Его постыдное поведение шокировало всю семью. (His reprehensible behavior shocked the entire family.)

  Translation: His reprehensible behavior shocked the entire family. (This example shows the adjective in a familial context, highlighting moral outrage.)

• Мы считаем такие неприемлемые действия в компании недопустимыми. (We consider such reprehensible actions in the company unacceptable.)

  Translation: We consider such reprehensible actions in the company unacceptable. (Demonstrates use in a corporate environment, emphasizing ethical standards.)

• Постыдный инцидент был широко осужден в прессе. (The reprehensible incident was widely condemned in the press.)

  Translation: The reprehensible incident was widely condemned in the press. (Illustrates application in media and public discourse.)

• Неприемлемый уровень коррупции угрожает стабильности страны. (The reprehensible level of corruption threatens the country's stability.)

  Translation: The reprehensible level of corruption threatens the country's stability. (Shows use in political or social commentary.)

• Ее постыдные решения привели к потере доверия. (Her reprehensible decisions led to a loss of trust.)

  Translation: Her reprehensible decisions led to a loss of trust. (Highlights the adjective in narrative contexts, focusing on consequences.)

Secondary Meaning: Morally objectionable or deserving blame

Translation(s) & Context:

• Постыдный - In everyday ethical discussions, often paired with personal accountability.
• Неприемлемый - In formal critiques, such as in literature or philosophy.

Usage Examples:

• Постыдный отказ помочь соседям был неожиданным. (The reprehensible refusal to help the neighbors was unexpected.)

  Translation: The reprehensible refusal to help the neighbors was unexpected. (This shows the word in interpersonal relationships.)

• Неприемлемые методы ведения бизнеса могут привести к санкциям. (Reprehensible business methods can lead to sanctions.)

  Translation: Reprehensible business methods can lead to sanctions. (Illustrates use in economic or legal contexts.)

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Both "Постыдный" and "Неприемлемый" are adjectives in Russian, which typically follow patterns of agreement with nouns in gender, number, and case. They are regular adjectives and inflect according to standard rules.

Note: These adjectives do not have irregular inflections, making them straightforward for learners at B2 level.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Осуждаемый (Osuzhdayemyy) - More neutral, often used in legal contexts.
  • Позорный (Pozornyy) - Implies public shame, with a stronger emotional connotation.
• Antonyms:
  • Достойный (Dostoynyy) - Meaning worthy or commendable.
  • Приемлемый (Priyemlemyy) - Meaning acceptable or tolerable.

Related Phrases:

• Постыдное поведение - (Postydnoye povedeniye) - Refers to reprehensible behavior, often in moral discussions.
• Неприемлемые действия - (Nepriemlemye deystviya) - Means reprehensible actions, commonly used in ethical or professional contexts.
• Постыдный поступок - (Postydnyy postupok) - Describes a reprehensible act, emphasizing individual responsibility.

Usage Notes:

"Постыдный" and "Неприемлемый" both translate to "reprehensible" but differ subtly: "Постыдный" carries a sense of personal or societal shame, making it ideal for emotional or informal ethical critiques, while "Неприемлемый" is more formal and objective, suited for legal or professional settings. English users should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify, which has no direct equivalent in English. Choose "Постыдный" for everyday moral judgments and "Неприемлемый" for structured environments to ensure precise correspondence.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "Постыдный" in a formal legal context instead of "Неприемлемый". Incorrect: "Постыдный договор" (intended to mean a reprehensible contract). Correct: "Неприемлемый договор". Explanation: "Постыдный" implies emotional shame, which may sound overly dramatic in professional settings, whereas "Неприемлемый" is neutral and appropriate.

• Error: Failing to inflect the adjective correctly, e.g., using "Постыдный" with a feminine noun without changing to "Постыдная". Incorrect: "Постыдный женщина" (for a female subject). Correct: "Постыдная женщина". Explanation: Russian requires adjective-noun agreement, unlike English, so learners must check the noun's gender and case.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, words like "Постыдный" often tie into historical emphasis on collective morality and honor, stemming from traditions in literature (e.g., Dostoevsky's works) where reprehensible acts lead to personal redemption. This reflects a broader cultural value on communal judgment, which may differ from individualistic Western perspectives.

Related Concepts:

• Осуждение (Osuzhdeniye)
• Мораль (Moral')
• Этика (Etika)