HeyRuaHow to say “decline” in Irish
- Irish:
- meathlú
- English:
- decline, degeneration
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- meathlaigh, to decline (ag meathlú, declining)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “MAH-loo” /ˈmʲahl̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- meathlaithe, an mheathlaithe (e.g. cúis an mheathlaithe, the cause of the decline)
What does “meathlú” mean?
“Meathlú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- decline
- The verbal noun of 'meathlaigh': the process of getting weaker, worse or smaller over time.Also: decay, deterioration, degeneration, failing.
“Meathlú” as a verbal noun
After ag, meathlú means declining: it is the verbal noun of the verb meathlaigh (to decline). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Meathlú” with the article
Here is meathlú after the article (an t-alt).
“Meathlú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using meathlú, the Irish word for decline.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Decline in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for decline?
The Irish for decline is meathlú (pronounced “MAH-loo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean degeneration.
How do you pronounce meathlú in Irish?
Meathlú is said like “MAH-loo” (IPA /ˈmʲahl̪ˠuː/).
Does meathlú have a plural?
No plural form is given for meathlú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does meathlú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Meathlú can mean decline or degeneration, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does meathlú change to mheathlú?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheathlú. After ár (our) it stays ár meathlú, because m does not take eclipsis.
What is the difference between 'meath' and 'meathlú'?
Both mean decline or decay; 'meath' is the older general noun, while 'meathlú' is the verbal noun of 'meathlaigh' and stresses the ongoing process, as in 'tá meathlú ag teacht air'.
