HeyRuaHow to say “loose” in Irish
- Irish:
- scaoilte
- English:
- loose, free, supple, fluent
- Word type:
- adjective
- Looser:
- níos scaoilte
- Loosest:
- is scaoilte
- Pronunciation:
- “SKEEL-cheh” /ˈskiːlʲtʲə/
What does “scaoilte” mean?
“Scaoilte” has four alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- loose
- Not tied, fastened or held firmly in place.Also: untied, unfastened, slack.
3 other meanings: free or supple or fluent
- 2free
- Released or set free, not confined or restrained.Also: released, unconstrained, at large.
- 3supple
- Moving easily and freely, loose-limbed and agile.Also: lithe, loose-limbed, nimble.
- 4fluent
- Speaking or expressing yourself easily and without hesitation.Also: free-flowing, glib.
“Scaoilte” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is scaoilte after gúna (dress, masculine), after bróg (shoe, feminine) and after a plural.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, scaoilte.
Looser, loosest, very loose
Tá an léine seo níos scaoilte ná an ceann eile. This shirt is looser than the other one.
| looser | níos scaoilte | in the past tense: ní ba scaoilte |
|---|---|---|
| loosest | is scaoilte | in the past tense: ba scaoilte |
| as loose as | chomh scaoilte le | no change after chomh |
| very loose | an-scaoilte | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too loose | róscaoilte | ró- lenites |
“Scaoilte” 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.
Loose in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for loose?
The Irish for loose is scaoilte (pronounced “SKEEL-cheh”). It comes after the noun: gúna scaoilte, a loose dress; bróg scaoilte, a loose shoe.
How do you say looser and loosest in Irish?
níos scaoilte is looser and is scaoilte is loosest. In the past tense they become ní ba scaoilte and ba scaoilte.
How do you say very loose in Irish?
an-scaoilte. Too loose is róscaoilte, and as loose as is chomh scaoilte le.
Does scaoilte have more than one meaning?
Yes. Scaoilte can mean loose, free, supple or fluent, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the opposite of 'scaoilte'?
For something tied or fastened, the opposite is 'ceangailte' or 'daingean'; for something tight, use 'teann'.
Is 'scaoilte' related to a verb?
Yes, it is the verbal adjective of 'scaoil', to release or loosen, as in 'scaoil amach é', let him out.
