Disloyalty in Irish (Mídhílseacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for disloyalty?

The Irish for disloyalty is mídhílseacht (pronounced “MEE-yeel-shukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean infidelity.

Q: Does mídhílseacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mídhílseacht can mean disloyalty or infidelity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “disloyalty” in Irish

Irish:: mídhílseacht
English:: disloyalty, infidelity
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “MEE-yeel-shukht” /ˈmʲiːˌʝiːlʲʃəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: mídhílseachta, na mídhílseachta (e.g. cúis na mídhílseachta, the cause of the disloyalty)

What does “mídhílseacht” mean?

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

disloyalty: The quality of not being loyal or faithful to a person, group or cause.Also: unfaithfulness, faithlessness, treachery.

1 other meaning: infidelity

2infidelity: Unfaithfulness to a partner in a relationship or marriage.Also: unfaithfulness, adultery, cheating.

“Mídhílseacht” with the article

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

an mhídhílseacht

the disloyalty

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Mídhílseacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mídhílseacht, the Irish word for disloyalty.

Ní mhaithfidh sé mídhílseacht choíche.

He will never forgive disloyalty.

Cuireadh mídhílseacht ina leith.

He was accused of disloyalty.

Ghoill an mhídhílseacht go mór uirthi.

The unfaithfulness hurt her deeply.

Bhí sé ciontach i mídhílseacht don rí.

He was guilty of disloyalty to the king.

Scar siad de bharr a mídhílseachta.

They separated because of her infidelity.

Is mór an náire an mhídhílseacht sin.

That disloyalty is a great shame.

Níor thuig mé méid na mídhílseachta go dtí sin.

I didn't understand the extent of the disloyalty until then.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Disloyalty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for disloyalty?

The Irish for disloyalty is mídhílseacht (pronounced “MEE-yeel-shukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean infidelity.

How do you pronounce mídhílseacht in Irish?

Mídhílseacht is said like “MEE-yeel-shukht” (IPA /ˈmʲiːˌʝiːlʲʃəxt̪ˠ/).

Does mídhílseacht have a plural?

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

Does mídhílseacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mídhílseacht can mean disloyalty or infidelity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mídhílseacht change to mhídhílseacht?

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

How is mídhílseacht related to dílseacht?

Mídhílseacht is formed from the negative prefix mí- plus dílseacht 'loyalty', so it means 'disloyalty'; the d is lenited after mí-.

Is mídhílseacht the same as tréas?

No, tréas means 'treason', a serious crime against the state, while mídhílseacht is general disloyalty or unfaithfulness.

Disloyalty in Irish (Mídhílseacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage