Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'usurp'

English Word: usurp

Key Russian Translations:

• узурпировать /u.zur.pʲi.ro.'vatʲ/ - [Formal, Literary; Used in contexts involving political or legal power seizures]

Frequency: Low (This word is not commonly used in everyday Russian conversation; it appears more in formal, historical, or legal texts.)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1; Suitable for learners with a strong grasp of Russian grammar and vocabulary, as it involves complex verb conjugations and formal register.)

Pronunciation (Russian):

узурпировать: /u.zur.pʲi.ro.'vatʲ/

Note on узурпировать: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('va-'), and the 'пʲ' represents a palatalized 'p' sound, which can be challenging for English speakers. Pronunciation may vary slightly in fast speech.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

To seize and hold a position of power or authority illegally or by force

Translation(s) & Context:

• узурпировать - Used in formal or historical contexts to describe the illegal takeover of power, such as in politics or monarchies. Common in written Russian, e.g., in legal documents or literature.

Usage Examples:

• Он узурпировал трон своего брата во время хаоса в королевстве.

  He usurped his brother's throne during the chaos in the kingdom.

• В истории часто встречаются случаи, когда генералы узурпируют власть у слабых правителей.

  In history, there are often cases where generals usurp power from weak rulers.

• Корпоративный директор попытался узурпировать контроль над компанией, игнорируя акционеров.

  The corporate director tried to usurp control of the company, ignoring the shareholders.

• Если политик узурпирует полномочия, это может привести к народным восстаниям.

  If a politician usurps authority, it can lead to popular uprisings.

• В романе главный герой узурпировал лидерство в группе, используя хитрость и обман.

  In the novel, the main character usurped leadership in the group using cunning and deception.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"узурпировать" is a first-conjugation verb in Russian, derived from a loanword. It follows standard patterns for imperfective verbs but is irregular in some aspects due to its foreign origin. Below is a table outlining its key inflections:

Note: This verb does not have perfective counterparts in standard usage, so it remains in its imperfective form. It is invariant in terms of aspect for most contexts.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms: захватить (zakhvatit' - more general, often implies physical seizure); присвоить (prisvoit' - suggests appropriation, with a connotation of theft)
• Antonyms: уступить (ustupit' - to yield or surrender); передать (peredat' - to hand over voluntarily)

Explanation: "захватить" is a common synonym but can be less formal, while "присвоить" highlights illegal possession. Fine distinctions depend on context; for example, "узурпировать" is preferred in political scenarios.

Related Phrases:

• узурпировать власть - To usurp power (Used in discussions of authoritarian takeovers, e.g., in historical or political contexts.)
• узурпировать трон - To usurp the throne (Common in literature or history, referring to royal successions.)
• узурпировать контроль - To usurp control (Applies to business or organizational settings, implying an illegal grab for authority.)

Usage Notes:

"Узурпировать" directly corresponds to the English "usurp" in meaning, emphasizing illegal or forceful seizure of power. It is typically used in formal, written Russian and is rare in casual speech. When choosing this word over synonyms like "захватить," opt for it in contexts involving authority or rights, as it carries a legal nuance. Grammatically, it must agree with the subject in conjugation and is often paired with objects like "власть" (power) or "трон" (throne). English learners should note that Russian verbs like this require attention to aspect; here, it's imperfective, implying ongoing action.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "узурпировать" in informal contexts, e.g., saying "Я узурпирую твой стул" (I usurp your chair) instead of a simpler verb like "взять" (to take).

  Correct: Avoid this word for everyday objects; it's better for abstract concepts. Correct example: "Он узурпировал власть" (He usurped power). Explanation: This error stems from over-literal translation, making speech sound overly dramatic or incorrect.

• Error: Incorrect conjugation, e.g., saying "Он узурпируетs" (a mix of English and Russian forms).

  Correct: Use proper Russian forms, like "Он узурпирует." Explanation: English speakers often add unnecessary endings; always follow Russian conjugation rules as shown in the inflections table.

Cultural Notes:

"Узурпировать" often appears in Russian literature and historical discussions, such as references to events like the Russian Revolution or tsarist successions. It evokes themes of power struggles, which are prominent in Russian culture and history, reflecting a society shaped by autocracy and upheaval. Understanding this word can deepen appreciation for works by authors like Tolstoy, who depicted such dynamics in novels.

Related Concepts:

• революция (revolution)
• диктатура (dictatorship)
• власть (power)