Distinctness in Irish (Grinneas): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for distinctness?

The Irish for distinctness is grinneas (pronounced “GRIN-yus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean perspicacity.

Q: Does grinneas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Grinneas can mean distinctness or perspicacity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “distinctness” in Irish

Irish:: grinneas
English:: distinctness, perspicacity
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “GRIN-yus” /ˈɟɾʲɪn̠ʲəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: grinnis, an ghrinnis (e.g. leibhéal an ghrinnis, the level of distinctness)

What does “grinneas” mean?

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

distinctness: The quality of being clear, sharp or distinct, as of sight, sound or detail.Also: clarity, sharpness, definition, resolution.

1 other meaning: perspicacity

2perspicacity: Keenness of mind or perception, the ability to observe or understand things closely and accurately.Also: discernment, keenness, acuity.

“Grinneas” with the article

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

an grinneas

the distinctness

No change after an

“Grinneas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using grinneas, the Irish word for distinctness.

Tá grinneas iontach sa phictiúr seo.

This picture has great sharpness.

Chuir an grinneas a bhí ina chuid oibre iontas orm.

The precision of his work amazed me.

Labhair sí le grinneas agus le tuiscint.

She spoke with clarity and understanding.

Níl mórán grinnis ar an scáileán sin.

That screen does not have much definition.

Is maith liom an grinneas atá ina cuid scríbhneoireachta.

I like the clarity in her writing.

Theip ar ghrinneas mo radhairc le haois.

The sharpness of my eyesight failed with age.

Bhí grinneas ar leith i gcaint an mhúinteora.

The teacher's speech had a particular clarity.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

sésix tuathcountryside athrúchange tuilleadhmore caitheamhspending caitheamhspending

Distinctness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for distinctness?

The Irish for distinctness is grinneas (pronounced “GRIN-yus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean perspicacity.

How do you pronounce grinneas in Irish?

Grinneas is said like “GRIN-yus” (IPA /ˈɟɾʲɪn̠ʲəsˠ/).

Does grinneas have a plural?

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

Does grinneas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Grinneas can mean distinctness or perspicacity, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does grinneas change to ghrinneas or ngrinneas?

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

How is 'grinneas' related to 'grinn'?

'Grinneas' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'grinn' (clear, keen, perceptive), so 'súil ghrinn' is a keen eye and 'grinneas' is that keenness.

Is 'grinneas' the same as 'greann'?

No. 'Greann' means fun or humour, while 'grinneas' means clarity or keenness; do not confuse them.

Distinctness in Irish (Grinneas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage