Learn How to Pronounce Alexandra Feodorovna | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Alexandra Feodorovna
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Meaning and Context
Alexandra Feodorovna, born Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine in 1872, was the consort of Tsar Nicholas II and the last Empress of Russia, reigning from their marriage in 1894 until the forced abdication of the Romanov dynasty in 1917. Her life is a central, tragic narrative in the final chapter of Imperial Russia, defined by deep devotion to her family, fervent Orthodox faith, and a controversial relationship with the mystic Grigori Rasputin, whom she believed could heal her hemophiliac son and heir, Alexei. Her German heritage, perceived aloofness, and political influence over the Tsar during the tumult of World War I made her a deeply unpopular figure, contributing to the decline of the monarchy's prestige. The discovery of her intimate and poignant letters and diaries has since provided historians with invaluable insight into the private world of the Romanovs, culminating in her brutal execution with the entire imperial family in 1918, a pivotal event in Russian history that sealed her legacy as a figure of both historical scrutiny and tragic martyrdom.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling in English is Alexandra Feodorovna, a direct transliteration from the Russian Алекса́ндра Фёдоровна. A common historical alternative is Alexandra Fyodorovna, using 'y' instead of 'e' to represent the Cyrillic 'ё' (yo). The patronymic Feodorovna is frequently misspelled as "Fedorovna" (omitting the 'e'), "Feodorowna," or "Theodorovna." Her birth name, Princess Alix of Hesse, is sometimes incorrectly rendered as "Alice" or "Alexis." In Russian contexts, the use of the soft sign is crucial; the misspelling "Fiodorovna" without the diacritic is a frequent error. Additionally, her full title is sometimes mistakenly conflated with that of her grandmother, Queen Victoria, or other Romanov empresses who shared the same regnal name.
Example Sentences
Historians often analyze Alexandra Feodorovna's letters to Nicholas II to understand the couple's private dynamics amidst the collapse of the Russian Empire.
The deep religiosity of Alexandra Feodorovna profoundly shaped her worldview and her reliance on figures like Rasputin.
Following the Bolshevik Revolution, Alexandra Feodorovna was imprisoned with her family in the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg.
Modern biographies seek to humanize Alexandra Feodorovna, moving beyond her caricature as the "German woman" who weakened the throne.
The canonization of Alexandra Feodorovna and her family by the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia in 1981 remains a topic of discussion.
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