HeyRuaHow to say “defeat” in Irish
- Irish:
- cloí
- English:
- defeat, exhaustion, adherence
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- cloígh, to defeat (ag cloí, defeating)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “klee” /kl̪ˠiː/
- Genitive singular:
- cloí, an chloí (e.g. am an chloí, the time of the defeat)
What does “cloí” mean?
“Cloí” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- defeat
- The act of defeating or overcoming someone or something; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'cloígh'.Also: overcoming, subduing, conquest, vanquishing.
2 other meanings: exhaustion or adherence
- 2exhaustion
- The state of being worn out or weakened, as by illness or hard work.Also: weakening, wearing down.
- 3adherence
- Sticking to or keeping to something, such as a rule or decision, used with 'le'.Also: sticking to, keeping to.
Other Irish words for defeat: cloígh (defeat)
“Cloí” as a verbal noun
After ag, cloí means defeating: it is the verbal noun of the verb cloígh (to defeat). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Cloí” with the article
Here is cloí after the article (an t-alt).
“Cloí” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cloí, the Irish word for defeat.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Defeat in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for defeat?
The Irish for defeat is cloí (pronounced “klee”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean exhaustion or adherence.
How do you pronounce cloí in Irish?
Cloí is said like “klee” (IPA /kl̪ˠiː/).
Does cloí have a plural?
No plural form is given for cloí in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does cloí have more than one meaning?
Yes. Cloí can mean defeat, exhaustion or adherence, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does cloí change to chloí or gcloí?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cloí becomes mo chloí (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcloí (eclipsis).
How is 'cloí' used with 'le'?
'Cloí le' means sticking to something, e.g. 'cloí leis an bplean', keeping to the plan.
