Decline in Irish (Meath): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for decline?

The Irish for decline is meath (pronounced “mah”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean failure.

Q: Does meath have more than one meaning?

Yes. Meath can mean decline or failure, depending on context; the first is the most common. Meath also has its own entry as a verb meaning to decline.

How to say “decline” in Irish

Irish:: meath
English:: decline, failure
Word type:: noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:: meath, to decline (ag meath, declining)
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “mah” /mʲah/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: meatha, an mheatha (e.g. cúis an mheatha, the cause of the decline)

What does “meath” mean?

“Meath” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

decline: A gradual worsening or weakening of something; also the verbal noun of the verb 'meath', to decline or decay.Also: decay, deterioration, declining, wasting.

1 other meaning: failure

2failure: A falling off or failing of something, such as health, crops or strength.Also: failing, waning.

Other Irish words for decline: diúltaigh (refuse), meath (decline)

Other entries for “meath”

The same spelling has its own page as:

meathto decline · verb

“Meath” as a verbal noun

After ag, meath means declining: it is the verbal noun of the verb meath (to decline). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat

meathverbal noun

ag meathdeclining

“Meath” with the article

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

an meath

the decline

No change after an

“Meath” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using meath, the Irish word for decline.

Thosaigh a shláinte ag meath anuraidh.

His health started to decline last year.

Tá meath tagtha ar an mbaile le blianta.

The town has gone into decline over the years.

Is mór an meath atá ar an teanga sa cheantar.

The language has declined greatly in the area.

Ní fhaca mé an meath ag teacht.

I didn't see the decline coming.

Labhair sí faoi chúiseanna an mheatha.

She spoke about the causes of the decline.

Bhí na bláthanna ag meath sa teas.

The flowers were withering in the heat.

Cuireadh stop leis an meath sa gheilleagar.

The decline in the economy was halted.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Decline in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for decline?

The Irish for decline is meath (pronounced “mah”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean failure.

How do you pronounce meath in Irish?

Meath is said like “mah” (IPA /mʲah/).

Does meath have a plural?

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

Does meath have more than one meaning?

Yes. Meath can mean decline or failure, depending on context; the first is the most common. Meath also has its own entry as a verb meaning to decline.

Why does meath change to mheath?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mheath. After ár (our) it stays ár meath, because m does not take eclipsis.

How do I say something is in decline?

Use 'tá meath ag teacht ar' or 'tá meath tagtha ar', e.g. 'Tá meath tagtha ar an iascaireacht', fishing has declined.

Is 'meata' related to 'meath'?

Yes, the adjective 'meata' means sickly or cowardly, as in 'croí meata', a faint heart.

Decline in Irish (Meath): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage