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Growth in Irish (Forás): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘forás’ also means: development

The Irish for growth is forás, a masculine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “growth” in Irish

Irish:
forás
English:
growth, development
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“FOR-awss”  /ˈfɔɾˠaːsˠ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
foráis, an fhoráis (e.g. ráta an fhoráis, the rate of growth)

What does “forás” mean?

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

growth
The process of growing or increasing in size or extent.Also: increase, expansion.
1 other meaning: development
2development
Gradual development or progress of something over time.Also: progress, advancement, evolution.

Other Irish words for growth: forbairt (development), fás (growth), borradh (swelling)

“Forás” with the article

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

an forás
the growth
No change after an

“Forás” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using forás, the Irish word for growth.

Tá forás mór tagtha ar an mbaile.
The town has grown a lot.
Bhí an forás eacnamaíochta lag anuraidh.
Economic growth was weak last year.
Tá ráta an fhoráis ag ardú arís.
The growth rate is rising again.
Is mór an forás atá déanta ag na daltaí.
The pupils have made great progress.
Chuir an fhearthainn moill ar fhorás na bplandaí.
The rain slowed the growth of the plants.
Tá suim agam i bhforás an linbh.
I am interested in the child's development.
Ní fheictear mórán foráis sa cheantar seo.
Not much development is seen in this area.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Growth in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for growth?

The Irish for growth is forás (pronounced “FOR-awss”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean development.

How do you pronounce forás in Irish?

Forás is said like “FOR-awss” (IPA /ˈfɔɾˠaːsˠ/).

Does forás have a plural?

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

Does forás have more than one meaning?

Yes. Forás can mean growth or development, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does forás change to fhorás or bhforás?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) forás becomes m'fhorás (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhforás (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'forás' and 'fás'?

'Fás' is the everyday word for growing, while 'forás' is more formal and is used for growth or development, as in 'forás eacnamaíochta' (economic growth).

Is 'forás' the same as 'forbairt'?

They overlap, but 'forbairt' is the usual word for development (for example of land or projects), while 'forás' stresses growth and gradual progress.

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