Ivan IV of Russia

::Ivan the Terrible links here. For other uses, see Ivan the Terrible (disambiguation).

Sobriquet

The English word terrible is usually used to translate the Russian word grozny in Ivan's nickname, but the modern English usage of terrible, with a pejorative connotation of bad or evil, does not precisely represent the intended meaning. Grozny's meaning is closer to the original usage of terrible—inspiring fear or terror, dangerous (as in Old English in one's danger), formidable, or awesome. (Compare the city name Grozny.) The Russian people gave Ivan this nickname after he seized Kazan.

Related Topics:
English - Russian - Old English - Grozny

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