Diligence in Irish (Dúthracht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for diligence?

The Irish for diligence is dúthracht (pronounced “DOO-hrukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean devotion or goodwill.

Q: Does dúthracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dúthracht can mean diligence, devotion or goodwill, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “diligence” in Irish

Irish:: dúthracht
English:: diligence, devotion, goodwill
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “DOO-hrukht” /ˈd̪ˠuːɾˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: dúthrachta, na dúthrachta (e.g. duais na dúthrachta, the prize for diligence)

What does “dúthracht” mean?

“Dúthracht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

diligence: Earnest, devoted effort put into work or a task.Also: earnestness, zeal, hard work, dedication.

2 other meanings: devotion or goodwill

2devotion: Fervent devotion or sincere feeling, especially in prayer or towards a cause.Also: fervour, sincerity, commitment.
3goodwill: Goodwill or a favour shown to someone, or a gift given out of goodwill.Also: favour, goodwill offering.

“Dúthracht” with the article

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

an dúthracht

the diligence

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Dúthracht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dúthracht, the Irish word for diligence.

Rinne sí an obair le dúthracht.

She did the work diligently.

Mhol an múinteoir a dúthracht.

The teacher praised her dedication.

Tá dúthracht mhór san fhoireann seo.

This team shows great commitment.

Chuir mé mo dhúthracht go léir sa tionscadal.

I put all my effort into the project.

Ghuigh siad le dúthracht sa séipéal.

They prayed fervently in the church.

Ba léir an dúthracht ina chuid cainte.

His earnestness was clear in his speech.

Fuair sé duais as a dhúthracht ar scoil.

He got a prize for his diligence at school.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Diligence in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for diligence?

The Irish for diligence is dúthracht (pronounced “DOO-hrukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean devotion or goodwill.

How do you pronounce dúthracht in Irish?

Dúthracht is said like “DOO-hrukht” (IPA /ˈd̪ˠuːɾˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does dúthracht have a plural?

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

Does dúthracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dúthracht can mean diligence, devotion or goodwill, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dúthracht change to dhúthracht or ndúthracht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dúthracht becomes mo dhúthracht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndúthracht (eclipsis).

What is the difference between dúthracht and dícheall?

Dícheall means one's best effort, as in 'rinne mé mo dhícheall' (I did my best), while dúthracht stresses earnestness and devoted zeal.

What adjective comes from dúthracht?

The adjective is dúthrachtach, meaning diligent or devoted, as in 'oibrí dúthrachtach' (a diligent worker).

Diligence in Irish (Dúthracht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage