HeyRuaHow to say “cowardice” in Irish
- Irish:
- meatacht
- English:
- cowardice, decay
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “MAT-ukht” /mʲatˠəxt̪ˠ/
- Genitive singular:
- meatachta, na meatachta (e.g. comhartha meatachta, a sign of cowardice)
What does “meatacht” mean?
“Meatacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cowardice
- Lack of courage; the quality of being a coward.Also: faint-heartedness, timidity.
1 other meaning: decay
- 2decay
- A failing or perishing state; decline, degeneracy or lack of vigour.Also: decline, degeneracy, failing.
“Meatacht” with the article
Here is meatacht after the article (an t-alt).
“Meatacht” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meatacht, the Irish word for cowardice.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cowardice in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cowardice?
The Irish for cowardice is meatacht (pronounced “MAT-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean decay.
How do you pronounce meatacht in Irish?
Meatacht is said like “MAT-ukht” (IPA /mʲatˠəxt̪ˠ/).
Does meatacht have a plural?
No plural form is given for meatacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does meatacht have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meatacht can mean cowardice or decay, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does meatacht change to mheatacht?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheatacht. After ár (our) it stays ár meatacht, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the opposite of 'meatacht'?
The opposite is 'misneach' (courage) or 'crógacht' (bravery); a coward is 'meatachán'.
