HeyRuaHow to say “distinction” in Irish
- Irish:
- idirdhealú
- English:
- distinction, discrimination
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- idirdhealaigh, to distinguish (ag idirdhealú, distinguishing)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “IH-dir-yal-oo” /ˈɪdʲəɾʲˌjalˠuː/
- Plural:
- idirdhealuithe (distinctions)
- Genitive singular:
- idirdhealaithe, an idirdhealaithe (e.g. cineál an idirdhealaithe, the type of distinction)
- Genitive plural:
- idirdhealuithe, na n-idirdhealuithe (e.g. tábhacht na n-idirdhealuithe, the importance of the distinctions)
What does “idirdhealú” mean?
“Idirdhealú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- distinction
- A difference that is noticed or made between two or more things; verbal noun of idirdhealaigh (distinguish).Also: differentiation, distinguishing, difference.
1 other meaning: discrimination
- 2discrimination
- Unfair treatment of a person or group compared with others, as in racial or sexual discrimination.Also: unfair treatment, prejudice.
Other Irish words for distinction: difríocht (difference)
“Idirdhealú” as a verbal noun
After ag, idirdhealú means distinguishing: it is the verbal noun of the verb idirdhealaigh (to distinguish). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Idirdhealú” with the article
The plural of distinction in Irish is idirdhealuithe. Here is idirdhealú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Idirdhealú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using idirdhealú, the Irish word for distinction.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Distinction in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for distinction?
The Irish for distinction is idirdhealú (pronounced “IH-dir-yal-oo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is idirdhealuithe. Depending on context it can also mean discrimination.
How do you pronounce idirdhealú in Irish?
Idirdhealú is said like “IH-dir-yal-oo” (IPA /ˈɪdʲəɾʲˌjalˠuː/).
What is the plural of distinction in Irish?
The plural of idirdhealú is idirdhealuithe; with the article, na hidirdhealuithe means “the distinctions”. The genitive plural is idirdhealuithe, as in tábhacht na n-idirdhealuithe (the importance of the distinctions).
Does idirdhealú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Idirdhealú can mean distinction or discrimination, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does idirdhealú sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-idirdhealú (the distinction), a hidirdhealú (her distinction), a n-idirdhealú (their distinction), na hidirdhealuithe (the distinctions).
What is the difference between idirdhealú and leithcheal?
Idirdhealú covers both a neutral distinction and discrimination, while leithcheal specifically means unfair discrimination or exclusion.
