Gaiety in Irish (Aeracht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for gaiety?

The Irish for gaiety is aeracht (pronounced “AIR-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean airiness or flightiness.

Q: Does aeracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aeracht can mean gaiety, airiness or flightiness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “gaiety” in Irish

Irish:: aeracht
English:: gaiety, airiness, flightiness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “AIR-ukht” /ˈeːɾˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: aerachta, na haerachta (e.g. lán na haerachta, full of the gaiety)

What does “aeracht” mean?

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

gaiety: A light-hearted, cheerful, playful mood or behaviour.Also: fun, merriment, light-heartedness, high spirits.

2 other meanings: airiness or flightiness

2airiness: The quality of being airy, light or breezy.Also: lightness, breeziness.
3flightiness: Giddy, frivolous or light-headed behaviour.Also: giddiness, frivolity, light-headedness.

“Aeracht” with the article

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

an aeracht

the gaiety

No change: feminine nouns starting with a vowel keep their form after an

“Aeracht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aeracht, the Irish word for gaiety.

Bhí aeracht mhór ar na páistí inniu.

The children were in great high spirits today.

Is maith liom an aeracht atá sa cheol seo.

I like the light-heartedness in this music.

Bhí an oíche lán aerachta agus ceoil.

The night was full of fun and music.

Bhí aeracht mhór ag an gcóisir aréir.

There was great fun at the party last night.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Gaiety in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for gaiety?

The Irish for gaiety is aeracht (pronounced “AIR-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean airiness or flightiness.

How do you pronounce aeracht in Irish?

Aeracht is said like “AIR-ukht” (IPA /ˈeːɾˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does aeracht have a plural?

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

Does aeracht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aeracht can mean gaiety, airiness or flightiness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

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

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an aeracht (the gaiety), a haeracht (her gaiety), a n-aeracht (their gaiety).

Does 'aeracht' mean 'gayness' in the modern sense?

Traditionally 'aeracht' means gaiety or fun; for homosexuality the usual word is 'aerachas' or 'homaighnéasachas'.

What is the related adjective?

The adjective is 'aerach', meaning light-hearted or airy, and also used today for gay; 'aerachtúil' means eerie or uncanny.

Gaiety in Irish (Aeracht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage