Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'volition'

English Word: volition

Key Russian Translations:

• воля [ˈvolʲə] - [Formal, often used in philosophical or psychological contexts]
• волеизъявление [vəlʲɪɪzʲjavlʲenʲɪje] - [Formal, Legal, implying an expression of will, such as in voting or decisions]

Frequency: Medium - This term and its translations appear regularly in academic, psychological, and philosophical discussions but are less common in everyday casual conversation.

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate) - Requires understanding of abstract concepts; for "воля", it's B2, while "волеизъявление" may lean towards C1 due to its complexity in legal contexts.

Pronunciation (Russian):

воля: [ˈvolʲə]

волеизъявление: [vəlʲɪɪzʲjavlʲenʲɪje]

Note on воля: The soft 'л' sound ([lʲ]) can be tricky for English speakers; it's similar to the 'l' in "million" but softer. Pronounce with stress on the first syllable.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The power or act of using one's will (e.g., in decision-making or self-determination)

Translation(s) & Context:

• "воля" - Used in formal contexts like philosophy or psychology to denote free will or personal determination, often in introspective or ethical discussions.
• "волеизъявление" - Applied in legal or formal settings, such as elections or consent, emphasizing an explicit act of will.

Usage Examples:

• Он принял решение по своей воле, без внешнего давления.

  He made the decision of his own volition, without external pressure.

• В психологии воля считается ключевым элементом человеческого поведения.

  In psychology, volition is considered a key element of human behavior.

• Её волеизъявление было зафиксировано в официальном документе.

  Her volition was recorded in an official document.

• Дети развивают волю через повседневные выборы и последствия.

  Children develop volition through everyday choices and their consequences.

• В демократических системах волеизъявление граждан определяет исход выборов.

  In democratic systems, the volition of citizens determines election outcomes.

Willpower or determination in achieving goals

Translation(s) & Context:

• "воля" - In motivational contexts, referring to inner strength or resolve.

Usage Examples:

• Его воля к победе помогла преодолеть все препятствия.

  His volition to win helped him overcome all obstacles.

• Развитие воли требует ежедневных усилий и самодисциплины.

  Developing volition requires daily effort and self-discipline.

• В спорте воля часто решает исход соревнования.

  In sports, volition often decides the outcome of the competition.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

"воля" is a feminine noun in the third declension. It follows standard patterns for Russian nouns but has some irregularities in certain forms. Below is a table of its declensions:

"волеизъявление" is a neuter noun and does not inflect irregularly; it follows the standard pattern for neuter nouns ending in -ение, remaining largely unchanged in most cases (e.g., Nominative: волеизъявление; Genitive: волеизъявления).

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • решимость (reshimost' - determination, with a focus on resolve)
  • самоопределение (samoopredelenie - self-determination, often used in psychological contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • невольность (nevol'nost' - involuntariness)
  • принуждение (prinuzhdenie - compulsion, implying external force)

Related Phrases:

• свободная воля - Free will; used in philosophical debates about autonomy and choice.
• волевое усилие - Volitional effort; refers to the exertion of willpower in achieving tasks.
• выражение воли - Expression of will; common in legal contexts like wills or declarations.

Usage Notes:

"Воля" directly corresponds to "volition" in English when discussing personal agency, but it's more abstract and often implies a broader sense of freedom or inner drive. Use "воля" in formal or academic settings, while "волеизъявление" is preferred for legal expressions. Be mindful of context: in Russian, these words can carry emotional weight, especially in discussions of human rights. When choosing between translations, opt for "воля" for general willpower and "волеизъявление" for explicit acts. Grammatically, ensure agreement with gender and case, as "воля" is feminine.

Common Errors:

• Confusing "воля" with "воля" in the sense of "will" as in inheritance (e.g., a last will and testament, which is "завещание"). Error: Saying "Я написал волю" (incorrect for a will document). Correct: "Я написал завещание." Explanation: "Воля" means personal volition, not legal documents.
• Overusing "волеизъявление" in everyday speech. Error: "Я пошел в магазин по волеизъявлению" (sounds overly formal). Correct: "Я пошел в магазин по своей воле." Explanation: Reserve "волеизъявление" for official contexts to avoid sounding stilted.
• Mispronouncing the soft consonants, e.g., hardening the 'л' in "воля." Error: Pronouncing as [ˈvola] instead of [ˈvolʲə]. Explanation: This can change the word's perceived authenticity; practice with native audio for accuracy.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and philosophy, "воля" is deeply tied to concepts of freedom and individualism, influenced by thinkers like Dostoevsky. It often appears in literature and discussions about personal liberty versus societal constraints, reflecting Russia's historical struggles with authoritarianism. This adds a layer of emotional and existential depth that English "volition" might not fully convey.

Related Concepts:

• свобода (svoboda - freedom)
• самоконтроль (samokontrol' - self-control)
• решение (reshenie - decision)