Bewilderment in Irish (Mearú): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for bewilderment?

The Irish for bewilderment is mearú (pronounced “MAR-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean derangement or illusion.

Q: Does mearú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mearú can mean bewilderment, derangement or illusion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “bewilderment” in Irish

Irish:: mearú
English:: bewilderment, derangement, illusion
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “MAR-oo” /ˈmʲaɾˠuː/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: mearaithe, an mhearaithe (e.g. staid mhearaithe, a state of bewilderment)

What does “mearú” mean?

“Mearú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

bewilderment: A state of confusion or distraction in which the mind is not clear.Also: confusion, distraction, daze.

2 other meanings: derangement or illusion

2derangement: Mental disturbance or madness, a mind that is astray.Also: madness, mental disturbance, frenzy.
3illusion: Something the mind wrongly perceives, as in an optical illusion or delusion.Also: delusion, hallucination.

Other Irish words for bewilderment: mearbhall (confusion)

“Mearú” with the article

Here is mearú after the article (an t-alt).

an mearú

the bewilderment

No change after an

“Mearú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mearú, the Irish word for bewilderment.

Bhí mearú orm tar éis na timpiste.

I was dazed after the accident.

Tháinig mearú ar a intinn leis an mbrón.

His mind became deranged with grief.

Ní raibh ann ach mearú súl.

It was only an optical illusion.

Chuir an torann mearú ar na páistí.

The noise bewildered the children.

D'fhág an teas i mo mhearú mé.

The heat left me confused.

Bhí sé i staid mhearaithe ar feadh tamaill.

He was in a confused state for a while.

Cheap mé gur mearú a bhí ann.

I thought it was a delusion.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Bewilderment in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bewilderment?

The Irish for bewilderment is mearú (pronounced “MAR-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean derangement or illusion.

How do you pronounce mearú in Irish?

Mearú is said like “MAR-oo” (IPA /ˈmʲaɾˠuː/).

Does mearú have a plural?

No plural form is given for mearú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does mearú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mearú can mean bewilderment, derangement or illusion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mearú change to mhearú?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhearú. After ár (our) it stays ár mearú, because m does not take eclipsis.

How does 'mearú' differ from 'mearbhall'?

Both mean confusion; 'mearbhall' is the more common everyday word for dizziness or confusion, while 'mearú' leans towards derangement or illusion, as in 'mearú súl'.

Bewilderment in Irish (Mearú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage