Doubt in Irish (Amhras): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for doubt?

The Irish for doubt is amhras (pronounced “OW-ruhs”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean suspicion.

Q: Does amhras have more than one meaning?

Yes. Amhras can mean doubt or suspicion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “doubt” in Irish

Irish:: amhras
English:: doubt, suspicion
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “OW-ruhs” /ˈəuɾˠəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: amhrais, an amhrais (e.g. scáth an amhrais, the shadow of doubt)

What does “amhras” mean?

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

doubt: A feeling of being uncertain whether something is true or will happen.Also: uncertainty, misgiving.

1 other meaning: suspicion

2suspicion: A feeling that someone has done something wrong, used with 'ar' plus the person suspected.Also: mistrust, distrust.

Other Irish words for doubt: dabht (doubt), éiginnteacht (uncertainty), neamhchinnteacht (uncertainty)

“Amhras” with the article

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

an t-amhras

the doubt

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Amhras” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using amhras, the Irish word for doubt.

Gan amhras, beidh sé anseo amárach.

No doubt he'll be here tomorrow.

Tá amhras orm faoina scéal.

I have doubts about his story.

Bhí amhras ar na gardaí faoi.

The guards were suspicious of him.

Níl aon amhras ach go bhfuil sí ceart.

There's no doubt that she's right.

Chuir an litir amhras orm.

The letter made me suspicious.

Tá mo chuid amhrais ag fás.

My doubts are growing.

Thug sé tairbhe an amhrais di.

He gave her the benefit of the doubt.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

úsáiduse rithrunning rithrunning básdeath túsbeginning státstate

Doubt in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for doubt?

The Irish for doubt is amhras (pronounced “OW-ruhs”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean suspicion.

How do you pronounce amhras in Irish?

Amhras is said like “OW-ruhs” (IPA /ˈəuɾˠəsˠ/).

Does amhras have a plural?

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

Does amhras have more than one meaning?

Yes. Amhras can mean doubt or suspicion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does amhras sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-amhras (the doubt), a hamhras (her doubt), a n-amhras (their doubt).

How do I say 'I suspect him' with amhras?

Use 'ar' with the person: 'Tá amhras agam air' means I suspect him, while 'Tá amhras orm' means I have doubts.

What is the difference between amhras and dabht?

Both mean doubt; 'dabht' is a loanword common in speech, while 'amhras' also covers suspicion, as in 'faoi amhras' (under suspicion).

Doubt in Irish (Amhras): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage