HeyRuaHow to say “celibacy” in Irish
- Irish:
- aontumha
- English:
- celibacy
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “AYN-too-uh” /ˈeːnˌt̪ˠuːə/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- aontumha, na haontumha (e.g. móid na haontumha, the vow of celibacy)
What does “aontumha” mean?
- celibacy
- The state of living unmarried and abstaining from sexual relations, especially for religious reasons.Also: chastity, virginity, sexual abstinence.
“Aontumha” with the article
Here is aontumha after the article (an t-alt).
an aontumha
the celibacy
No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an
“Aontumha” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using aontumha, the Irish word for celibacy.
Bíonn ar shagairt Chaitliceacha aontumha a choimeád.
Catholic priests have to remain celibate.
Thug an manach móid aontumha.
The monk took a vow of celibacy.
Tá díospóireacht ann faoin aontumha sa chléir.
There is debate about celibacy among the clergy.
Mhair sí i bhfad in aontumha.
She lived in celibacy for a long time.
Is cuid de shaol an chlochair an aontumha.
Celibacy is part of convent life.
Labhair an t-easpag ar thábhacht na haontumha.
The bishop spoke about the importance of celibacy.
Ní raibh an aontumha éigeantach san Eaglais i gcónaí.
Celibacy was not always compulsory in the Church.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Celibacy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for celibacy?
The Irish for celibacy is aontumha (pronounced “AYN-too-uh”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce aontumha in Irish?
Aontumha is said like “AYN-too-uh” (IPA /ˈeːnˌt̪ˠuːə/).
Does aontumha have a plural?
No plural form is given for aontumha in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does aontumha sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an aontumha (the celibacy), a haontumha (her celibacy), a n-aontumha (their celibacy).
Is 'aontumha' the same as 'geanmnaíocht'?
Not quite: 'aontumha' is celibacy, remaining unmarried and abstinent, while 'geanmnaíocht' is chastity or purity more generally.
