Lifelessness in Irish (Marbhántacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for lifelessness?

The Irish for lifelessness is marbhántacht (pronounced “MAR-uh-wawn-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean stillness.

Q: Does marbhántacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Marbhántacht can mean lifelessness or stillness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “lifelessness” in Irish

Irish:: marbhántacht
English:: lifelessness, stillness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine
Pronunciation:: “MAR-uh-wawn-tukht” /ˈmˠaɾˠəwaːn̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: marbhántachta, na marbhántachta (e.g. mothú marbhántachta, a feeling of lethargy)

What does “marbhántacht” mean?

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

lifelessness: A state of being dull, sluggish or without energy or spirit.Also: lethargy, sluggishness, listlessness, torpor.

1 other meaning: stillness

2stillness: Heavy, oppressive calm or stillness, as of weather or a place where nothing is happening.Also: deadness, sultriness, oppressive calm.

“Marbhántacht” with the article

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

an mharbhántacht

the lifelessness

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Marbhántacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using marbhántacht, the Irish word for lifelessness.

Tháinig marbhántacht orm tar éis an dinnéir.

I felt sluggish after dinner.

Bhí an mharbhántacht le brath ar an mbaile.

The deadness of the town could be felt.

Níl mé in ann an mharbhántacht seo a chroitheadh díom.

I can't shake off this lethargy.

Is cúis mharbhántachta é an teas seo.

This heat makes people sluggish.

Bhí marbhántacht san aimsir an lá sin.

The weather was heavy and still that day.

Chuir an mharbhántacht isteach ar a chuid oibre.

The listlessness affected his work.

Tá marbhántacht ar an ngeilleagar faoi láthair.

The economy is sluggish at the moment.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Lifelessness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for lifelessness?

The Irish for lifelessness is marbhántacht (pronounced “MAR-uh-wawn-tukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean stillness.

How do you pronounce marbhántacht in Irish?

Marbhántacht is said like “MAR-uh-wawn-tukht” (IPA /ˈmˠaɾˠəwaːn̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does marbhántacht have a plural?

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

Does marbhántacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Marbhántacht can mean lifelessness or stillness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does marbhántacht change to mharbhántacht?

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

How is 'marbhántacht' related to 'marbh'?

It comes from the adjective 'marbhánta' (lifeless, sluggish), itself from 'marbh' (dead), so it means a deadness or dullness rather than actual death, which is 'bás'.

Lifelessness in Irish (Marbhántacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage