HeyRuaHow to say “gradual” in Irish
- Irish:
- céimseach
- English:
- gradual, graded
- Word type:
- adjective
- More gradual:
- níos céimsí
- Most gradual:
- is céimsí
- Plural:
- céimseacha
- Pronunciation:
- “KAYM-shakh” /ceːmʲʃəx/
What does “céimseach” mean?
“Céimseach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- gradual
- Happening slowly, step by step, over a period of time.Also: step-by-step, progressive, by degrees.
1 other meaning: graded
- 2graded
- Arranged or divided in steps, grades or stages.Also: graduated, stepped, in stages.
“Céimseach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is céimseach after méadú (increase, masculine), after forbairt (development, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: forbairt chéimseach. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: méadú céimseach.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, céimseacha. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant; after other plurals it does not: forbairtí céimseacha.
More gradual, most gradual, very gradual
Bhí an dara hathrú níos céimsí ná an chéad cheann. The second change was more gradual than the first.
| more gradual | níos céimsí | in the past tense: ní ba chéimsí |
|---|---|---|
| most gradual | is céimsí | in the past tense: ba chéimsí |
| as gradual as | chomh céimseach le | no change after chomh |
| very gradual | an-chéimseach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too gradual | róchéimseach | ró- lenites |
“Céimseach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Gradual in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for gradual?
The Irish for gradual is céimseach (pronounced “KAYM-shakh”). It comes after the noun: méadú céimseach, a gradual increase; forbairt chéimseach, a gradual development.
How do you say more gradual and most gradual in Irish?
níos céimsí is more gradual and is céimsí is most gradual. In the past tense they become ní ba chéimsí and ba chéimsí.
Why does céimseach become chéimseach?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So forbairt chéimseach (a gradual development) but méadú céimseach (a gradual increase), because méadú is masculine.
What is the plural of céimseach?
With a plural noun céimseach becomes céimseacha: méaduithe céimseacha, forbairtí céimseacha.
How do you say very gradual in Irish?
an-chéimseach. Too gradual is róchéimseach, and as gradual as is chomh céimseach le.
Does céimseach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Céimseach can mean gradual or graded, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the opposite of 'céimseach'?
The usual opposite is 'tobann' (sudden), as in 'athrú tobann', a sudden change, compared with 'athrú céimseach', a gradual change.
Is 'céimseach' related to 'céim'?
Yes, it comes from 'céim' (step, degree), so 'céimseach' means proceeding step by step. The adverb 'de réir a chéile' is the everyday way to say 'gradually'.
