Breadth in Irish (Fairsinge): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for breadth?

The Irish for breadth is fairsinge (pronounced “FAR-shing-eh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean spaciousness or expanse or plenty.

Q: Does fairsinge have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fairsinge can mean breadth, spaciousness, expanse or plenty, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “breadth” in Irish

Irish:: fairsinge
English:: breadth, spaciousness, expanse, plenty
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:: “FAR-shing-eh” /ˈfˠaɾʲʃɪɲə/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: fairsinge, na fairsinge (e.g. ollmhéid na fairsinge, the vastness of the expanse)

What does “fairsinge” mean?

“Fairsinge” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

breadth: The quality of being wide or broad; width.Also: width, wideness, broadness.

3 other meanings: spaciousness or expanse or plenty

2spaciousness: The quality of having plenty of room or space; extent.Also: extent, amplitude, roominess.
3expanse: A wide open space or area of land or sea.Also: open space, wide space, stretch.
4plenty: A good supply of something; abundance.Also: abundance, plentifulness.

Other Irish words for breadth: leithead (width), leithne (width)

“Fairsinge” with the article

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

an fhairsinge

the breadth

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Fairsinge” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using fairsinge, the Irish word for breadth.

Tá fairsinge mhór sa teach nua.

There's plenty of room in the new house.

Thaitin fairsinge na páirce leis na páistí.

The children loved how spacious the park was.

Bhí fairsinge mhór ar an trá.

There was plenty of space on the beach.

Chonaiceamar fairsinge na farraige ón aill.

We saw the expanse of the sea from the cliff.

Níl a dhóthain fairsinge sa chistin seo.

There isn't enough space in this kitchen.

Is maith liom an fhairsinge faoin tuath.

I like the open space in the countryside.

Tá fairsinge mhór sa seomra seo.

There's plenty of room in this room.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Breadth in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for breadth?

The Irish for breadth is fairsinge (pronounced “FAR-shing-eh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean spaciousness or expanse or plenty.

How do you pronounce fairsinge in Irish?

Fairsinge is said like “FAR-shing-eh” (IPA /ˈfˠaɾʲʃɪɲə/).

Does fairsinge have a plural?

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

Does fairsinge have more than one meaning?

Yes. Fairsinge can mean breadth, spaciousness, expanse or plenty, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does fairsinge change to fhairsinge or bhfairsinge?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) fairsinge becomes m'fhairsinge (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfairsinge (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'fairsinge' and 'leithead'?

'Leithead' is the measured width of something, while 'fairsinge' suggests roominess, extent or open space. 'Fairsingeacht' is a common alternative to 'fairsinge'.

Is 'fairsinge' related to an adjective?

Yes, it is the abstract noun from the adjective 'fairsing', meaning wide, spacious or plentiful.

Breadth in Irish (Fairsinge): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage