Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'snobbery'

English Word: snobbery

Key Russian Translations:

• снобизм /snobizm/ - [Formal]

Frequency: Medium (Common in discussions of social behavior, literature, and cultural critiques, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper-Intermediate; requires familiarity with borrowed words and cultural contexts, as it is a loanword from English)

Pronunciation (Russian):

снобизм: /snobizm/

Note on снобизм: The stress falls on the first syllable ("SNO-bizm"). Pay attention to the "s" sound, which is soft and similar to the English "s" in "snake". Variations in regional accents may slightly alter vowel pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The attitude or behavior of considering oneself superior due to tastes, wealth, knowledge, or social status.

Translation(s) & Context:

• снобизм - Used in formal, literary, or intellectual contexts to describe pretentious or elitist behavior, often in critiques of society or culture.

Usage Examples:

• Его снобизм проявляется в том, как он отвергает всё, что не является "элитным".

  His snobbery shows in how he rejects anything that isn't "elite".

• В современном обществе снобизм часто маскируется под культурный вкус.

  In modern society, snobbery is often disguised as cultural taste.

• Снобизм может разрушить дружбу, если люди не признают свои предубеждения.

  Snobbery can ruin friendships if people don't acknowledge their prejudices.

• Её снобизм по отношению к моде делает её изгоем в компании.

  Her snobbery towards fashion makes her an outcast in the group.

• Снобизм в академических кругах иногда подавляет творчество молодых умов.

  Snobbery in academic circles sometimes stifles the creativity of young minds.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

снобизм is a masculine noun (third declension, similar to words like "чай" or "чайник"). It follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns but is not commonly inflected due to its abstract nature. Below is a table outlining its basic forms:

Note: The plural form is rarely used, as "снобизм" typically refers to a general concept rather than countable instances. It does not have irregular inflections.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • элитизм (elitism) - Emphasizes exclusivity based on social status; often used interchangeably but with a stronger class connotation.
  • снобство (snobbery) - A less common variant, similar to снобизм but more archaic in tone.
• Antonyms:
  • демократизм (democratism) - Refers to egalitarian attitudes, contrasting with elitist behaviors.
  • простота (simplicity) - Implies humility and lack of pretension, often in everyday or cultural contexts.

Related Phrases:

• культурный снобизм - Cultural snobbery; refers to looking down on others based on artistic or intellectual preferences.
• социальный снобизм - Social snobbery; used to describe class-based superiority in interpersonal relations.
• интеллектуальный снобизм - Intellectual snobbery; highlights arrogance in academic or knowledge-related fields.

Usage Notes:

снобизм is a direct loanword from English, making it a relatively modern addition to Russian vocabulary. It is most appropriate in formal writing, such as essays, critiques, or discussions on sociology and culture. Unlike its English counterpart, it carries a slightly more intellectual connotation and is less common in casual speech. When choosing between translations like снобизм and снобство, opt for снобизм in contemporary contexts for its neutrality. Be mindful of grammatical agreement: as a masculine noun, it must align with adjectives and verbs accordingly (e.g., "Этот снобизм вреден" - This snobbery is harmful).

Common Errors:

• Confusing снобизм with элитизм: Learners might use снобизм when элитизм is more precise, as the latter focuses on systemic elitism. Incorrect: "Его элитизм раздражает" (if snobbery is meant). Correct: "Его снобизм раздражает". Explanation: снобизм implies personal attitude, while элитизм suggests broader structures.

• Improper inflection: Non-native speakers often forget to inflect in genitive or dative cases. Incorrect: "Из-за снобизм" (should be "снобизма"). Correct: "Из-за снобизма". Explanation: Always apply standard masculine noun endings to maintain grammatical accuracy.

• Overusing in informal settings: снобизм sounds overly formal in casual talk, leading to awkwardness. Incorrect usage in speech: Using it in everyday chit-chat. Suggestion: Reserve it for written or professional contexts to avoid sounding pretentious yourself.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, снобизм is often linked to the historical divide between the intellectual elite (intelligentsia) and the masses, stemming from 19th-century literature like works by Tolstoy or Chekhov. It reflects a critique of Western influences and social stratification, where adopting foreign tastes can be seen as both aspirational and alienating. This adds a layer of irony, as снобизм itself is a borrowed term, highlighting Russia's complex relationship with Western culture.

Related Concepts:

• элита (elite)
• аристократия (aristocracy)
• превосходство (superiority)