repugn
Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'repugnant'
English Word: repugnant
Key Russian Translations:
- Отвратительный /ɐtrəvɪˈtʲelʲnɨj/ - [Formal; used to describe something causing strong disgust]
- Отталкивающий /ɐtɐlʲkʲɪˈvaʊʂɨj/ - [Informal; implies repulsion or aversion in everyday contexts]
- Мерзкий /ˈmʲɛrzkʲɪj/ - [Informal; often used for something vile or loathsome]
Frequency: Medium (This word and its translations are commonly encountered in literature, media, and discussions about ethics or aesthetics, but not in casual everyday speech.)
Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate; requires understanding of Russian adjectives and their inflections, per CEFR standards. For 'Отвратительный', it may be slightly more challenging due to its formal tone, while 'Мерзкий' is easier for beginners.)
Pronunciation (Russian):
Отвратительный: /ɐtrəvɪˈtʲelʲnɨj/
Отталкивающий: /ɐtɐlʲkʲɪˈvaʊʂɨj/
Мерзкий: /ˈmʲɛrzkʲɪj/
Note on Отвратительный: The stress falls on the third syllable ('tel'), which can be tricky for English speakers due to Russian's complex vowel reductions. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.
Audio: []
Meanings and Usage:
Meaning: Causing disgust, aversion, or moral repulsion.
Translation(s) & Context:
- Отвратительный - Used in formal or written contexts, such as describing unethical behavior or repulsive objects.
- Отталкивающий - Applied in informal settings, like personal opinions about appearance or ideas.
- Мерзкий - Common in everyday speech for something physically or morally disgusting.
Usage Examples:
-
Его поведение было отвратительным, и никто не хотел с ним общаться.
His behavior was repugnant, and no one wanted to associate with him.
-
Эта картина отталкивающая из-за своих ярких, но мрачных цветов.
This painting is repugnant due to its vivid but gloomy colors.
-
Мерзкий запах из канализации заполнил весь дом.
The repugnant smell from the sewer filled the entire house.
-
В политике часто встречаются отвратительные тактики, которые отталкивают избирателей.
In politics, repugnant tactics often repel voters.
-
Мерзкий вкус этой еды заставил меня выбросить ее сразу.
The repugnant taste of this food made me throw it away immediately.
Meaning: Morally offensive or unacceptable (in a broader sense).
Translation(s) & Context:
- Отвратительный - In ethical discussions, e.g., describing repugnant ideas in philosophy.
- Мерзкий - In casual moral judgments, like criticizing behavior.
Usage Examples:
-
Отвратительная дискриминация по расовому признаку должна быть запрещена.
Repugnant racial discrimination should be banned.
-
Его мерзкие комментарии в интернете вызвали общественный гнев.
His repugnant comments online sparked public outrage.
-
Отталкивающая идея эксплуатации детей в работе не имеет места в современном обществе.
The repugnant idea of child exploitation has no place in modern society.
Russian Forms/Inflections:
All key translations are adjectives, which inflect based on gender, number, and case in Russian. They follow standard adjective patterns, with some irregularities in spelling.
Form | Отвратительный (Masc.) | Отталкивающий (Masc.) | Мерзкий (Masc.) |
---|---|---|---|
Masculine Singular Nominative | Отвратительный | Отталкивающий | Мерзкий |
Feminine Singular Nominative | Отвратительная | Отталкивающая | Мерзкая |
Neuter Singular Nominative | Отвратительное | Отталкивающее | Мерзкое |
Plural Nominative | Отвратительные | Отталкивающие | Мерзкие |
Note | Irregular in some cases due to vowel changes; always agrees with the noun it modifies. | Regular pattern; softens in feminine forms. | Simple and regular; no major irregularities. |
For example, 'Отвратительный' changes to 'Отвратительной' in the genitive case. These adjectives do not have invariant forms.
Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:
- Synonyms:
- Гадкий (Gadkiy) - More playful or childish connotation.
- Прескверный (Preskvernyy) - Emphasizes extreme vileness.
- Antonyms:
- Приятный (Priyatnyy)
- Привлекательный (Privlekatel'nyy)
Related Phrases:
- Отвратительная еда - Disgusting food; used to describe unappetizing meals in casual conversations.
- Отталкивающий вид - Repulsive sight; refers to something visually unappealing in descriptions.
- Мерзкий тип - Vile person; a common idiom for someone morally repugnant.
Usage Notes:
'Repugnant' directly corresponds to Russian adjectives like 'Отвратительный' in formal contexts, but English speakers should note that Russian adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify. For instance, use 'Отвратительная' for feminine nouns. In informal speech, opt for 'Мерзкий' to sound more natural. Be cautious with tone: 'Отталкивающий' can imply emotional distance, making it suitable for neutral descriptions, while 'Отвратительный' is better for strong ethical judgments.
Common Errors:
- Mistake: Using the masculine form 'Отвратительный' with a feminine noun, e.g., saying "Отвратительный женщина" instead of "Отвратительная женщина".
Correct: Ensure agreement, as in "Отвратительная женщина" (The repugnant woman). Explanation: Russian adjectives must inflect; this error stems from treating them like English invariable adjectives. - Mistake: Overusing 'Мерзкий' in formal writing, which can sound too casual.
Correct: Switch to 'Отвратительный' for professional contexts. Explanation: 'Мерзкий' is informal and may undermine seriousness in essays or speeches. - Mistake: Mispronouncing the stress in 'Отвратительный', placing it on the wrong syllable.
Correct: Stress the third syllable: /ɐtrəvɪˈtʲelʲnɨj/. Explanation: Incorrect stress can make the word harder to understand, as Russian pronunciation relies heavily on vowel emphasis.
Cultural Notes:
In Russian culture, words like 'Отвратительный' often carry a strong moral undertone, influenced by historical literature (e.g., Dostoevsky's works). They reflect a societal emphasis on ethical behavior, where something 'repugnant' might evoke discussions on personal integrity or social norms, rather than just physical disgust.
Related Concepts:
- Гнусный (Gnusnyy)
- Отбросный (Otbrosnyy)
- Презираемый (Preziraemyy)