HeyRuaHow to say “likeness” in Irish
- Irish:
- samhail
- English:
- likeness, model, effigy, simile
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “sowl” /sˠaulʲ/
- Plural:
- samhlacha
- Genitive singular:
- samhla, na samhla (e.g. cruth na samhla, the shape of the likeness)
- Genitive plural:
- samhlacha, na samhlacha (e.g. bailiúchán na samhlacha, the collection of models)
What does “samhail” mean?
“Samhail” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- likeness
- Something that resembles another thing closely, a semblance or image of it.Also: image, semblance, resemblance.
3 other meanings: model or effigy or simile
- 2model
- A small or simplified copy of something, or a pattern or theoretical representation used for study.Also: mock-up, replica, pattern.
- 3effigy
- A figure or statue made to represent a person.Also: figure, statue.
- 4simile
- A figure of speech comparing one thing to another.Also: comparison.
Other Irish words for likeness: cosúlacht (likeness), portráid (portrait)
“Samhail” with the article
The plural of likeness in Irish is samhlacha. Here is samhail after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Samhail” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using samhail, the Irish word for likeness.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Likeness in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for likeness?
The Irish for likeness is samhail (pronounced “sowl”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is samhlacha. Depending on context it can also mean model or effigy or simile.
How do you pronounce samhail in Irish?
Samhail is said like “sowl” (IPA /sˠaulʲ/).
What is the plural of likeness in Irish?
The plural of samhail is samhlacha; with the article, it is na samhlacha. The genitive plural is samhlacha, as in bailiúchán na samhlacha (the collection of models).
Does samhail have more than one meaning?
Yes. Samhail can mean likeness, model, effigy or simile, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does samhail change to shamhail?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo shamhail. After ár (our) it stays ár samhail, because s does not take eclipsis.
How is 'samhail' related to 'samhlaíocht'?
Both come from the same root: 'samhail' is a likeness or model, while 'samhlaíocht' is imagination, and the verb 'samhlaigh' means to imagine or liken.
What does 'macasamhail' mean?
'Macasamhail' means an exact copy or equal, as in 'ní fhaca mé a macasamhail riamh', I never saw the like of it.
