HeyRuaHow to say “denial” in Irish
- Irish:
- séanadh
- English:
- denial, renunciation
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- séan, to deny (ag séanadh, denying)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAY-noo” /ʃeːnˠə/
- Genitive singular:
- séanta, an tséanta (e.g. ráiteas séanta, a statement of denial)
What does “séanadh” mean?
“Séanadh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- denial
- The act of saying that something is not true or refusing to admit it; verbal noun of the verb séan.Also: denying, refusal.
1 other meaning: renunciation
- 2renunciation
- The act of disowning or renouncing someone or something, such as a belief or a person.Also: disowning, repudiation, renouncing.
“Séanadh” as a verbal noun
After ag, séanadh means denying: it is the verbal noun of the verb séan (to deny). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Séanadh” with the article
Here is séanadh after the article (an t-alt).
“Séanadh” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using séanadh, the Irish word for denial.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Denial in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for denial?
The Irish for denial is séanadh (pronounced “SHAY-noo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean renunciation.
How do you pronounce séanadh in Irish?
Séanadh is said like “SHAY-noo” (IPA /ʃeːnˠə/).
Does séanadh have a plural?
No plural form is given for séanadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does séanadh have more than one meaning?
Yes. Séanadh can mean denial or renunciation, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does séanadh change to shéanadh?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shéanadh. After ár (our) it stays ár séanadh, because s does not take eclipsis.
Is 'níl aon séanadh air' a common expression?
Yes, 'níl aon séanadh air' means 'there is no denying it' and is a natural everyday phrase.
How does séanadh differ from diúltú?
Séanadh is denying or disowning something, while diúltú is refusing or declining, as in 'diúltú do thairiscint' (refusing an offer).
