Honesty in Irish (Macántacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for honesty?

The Irish for honesty is macántacht (pronounced “muh-KAWN-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean gentleness.

Q: Does macántacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Macántacht can mean honesty or gentleness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “honesty” in Irish

Irish:: macántacht
English:: honesty, gentleness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “muh-KAWN-tukht” /məˈkɑːn̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: macántachta, na macántachta (e.g. luach na macántachta, the value of honesty)

What does “macántacht” mean?

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

honesty: The quality of being honest, truthful and decent in how you deal with others.Also: integrity, sincerity, uprightness, truthfulness.

1 other meaning: gentleness

2gentleness: Mildness or meekness of manner; a quiet, docile nature.Also: meekness, mildness, docility.

Other Irish words for honesty: ionracas (honesty)

“Macántacht” with the article

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

an mhacántacht

the honesty

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Macántacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using macántacht, the Irish word for honesty.

Is í an mhacántacht an polasaí is fearr.

Honesty is the best policy.

Tá meas agam ar a macántacht.

I respect her honesty.

Labhair sé go hoscailte le macántacht iomlán.

He spoke openly with complete honesty.

Ní raibh aon mhacántacht ina chuid cainte.

There was no honesty in what he said.

Bhí sí iontach macánta, agus mheas siad a macántacht.

She was very honest, and they valued her honesty.

Ba í a mhacántacht a thug an post dó.

It was his honesty that got him the job.

Tá easpa macántachta sa pholaitíocht inniu.

There is a lack of honesty in politics today.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

cíosrent tagairtreference sagartpriest liostalist cosaintdefence aitheantasrecognition

Honesty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for honesty?

The Irish for honesty is macántacht (pronounced “muh-KAWN-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean gentleness.

How do you pronounce macántacht in Irish?

Macántacht is said like “muh-KAWN-tukht” (IPA /məˈkɑːn̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does macántacht have a plural?

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

Does macántacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Macántacht can mean honesty or gentleness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does macántacht change to mhacántacht?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhacántacht. After ár (our) it stays ár macántacht, because m does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'macántacht' and 'ionracas'?

Both mean honesty; 'ionracas' stresses integrity and fairness, while 'macántacht' suggests decent, honest dealing and can also mean gentleness.

How do I say 'dishonesty'?

Add the prefix mí-: 'mímhacántacht' means dishonesty.

Honesty in Irish (Macántacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage