HeyRuaHow to say “brightening” in Irish
- Irish:
- gealadh
- English:
- brightening, brightness, gladdening
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- geal, to brighten (ag gealadh, brightening)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “GYAL-uh” /ˈɟal̪ˠə/
- Genitive singular:
- gealaidh, an ghealaidh (e.g. le linn an ghealaidh, during the brightening)
What does “gealadh” mean?
“Gealadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- brightening
- The verbal noun of the verb 'geal': the act of becoming or making something bright, white or clear.Also: whitening, bleaching, clearing.
2 other meanings: brightness or gladdening
- 2brightness
- Brightness or light, especially the first light of day or clearing of the sky.Also: light, dawn, clearing.
- 3gladdening
- The act of cheering someone up or making the heart glad.Also: gladness, cheering up.
“Gealadh” as a verbal noun
After ag, gealadh means brightening: it is the verbal noun of the verb geal (to brighten). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Gealadh” with the article
Here is gealadh after the article (an t-alt).
“Gealadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using gealadh, the Irish word for brightening.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Brightening in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for brightening?
The Irish for brightening is gealadh (pronounced “GYAL-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean brightness or gladdening.
How do you pronounce gealadh in Irish?
Gealadh is said like “GYAL-uh” (IPA /ˈɟal̪ˠə/).
Does gealadh have a plural?
No plural form is given for gealadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does gealadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Gealadh can mean brightening, brightness or gladdening, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does gealadh change to ghealadh or ngealadh?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) gealadh becomes mo ghealadh (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngealadh (eclipsis).
How is 'gealadh' different from 'gile'?
'Gealadh' is the process of brightening (verbal noun of 'geal'), while 'gile' is the quality of brightness or whiteness itself.
