Loyalty in Irish (Dílseacht): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for loyalty?

The Irish for loyalty is dílseacht (pronounced “DEEL-shukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dílseachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean ownership or genuineness.

Q: What is the plural of loyalty in Irish?

The plural of dílseacht is dílseachtaí; with the article, na dílseachtaí means “the loyalties”. The genitive plural is dílseachtaí, as in coimhlint na ndílseachtaí (the conflict of loyalties).

Q: Does dílseacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dílseacht can mean loyalty, ownership or genuineness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “loyalty” in Irish

Irish:: dílseacht
English:: loyalty, ownership, genuineness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “DEEL-shukht” /ˈdʲiːlʲʃəxt̪/

Various forms

Plural:: dílseachtaí (loyalties)
Genitive singular:: dílseachta, na dílseachta (e.g. mionn dílseachta, oath of allegiance)
Genitive plural:: dílseachtaí, na ndílseachtaí (e.g. coimhlint na ndílseachtaí, the conflict of loyalties)

What does “dílseacht” mean?

“Dílseacht” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

loyalty: The quality of being faithful and true to a person, country or cause.Also: fidelity, allegiance, faithfulness, devotion.

2 other meanings: ownership or genuineness

2ownership: The right of owning something, a proprietary right.Also: proprietary right, proprietorship.
3genuineness: The quality of being genuine or reliable.Also: reliability, authenticity.

Other Irish words for loyalty: dílse (loyalty)

“Dílseacht” with the article

The plural of loyalty in Irish is dílseachtaí. Here is dílseacht after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an dílseacht

the loyalty

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

na dílseachtaí

the loyalties

Plural: no change after na

“Dílseacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using dílseacht, the Irish word for loyalty.

Is mór agam do dhílseacht.

I really value your loyalty.

Tá an dílseacht an-tábhachtach i gcairdeas.

Loyalty is very important in friendship.

Thug sé mionn dílseachta don rí.

He swore an oath of allegiance to the king.

Ná déan talamh slán de mo dhílseacht.

Don't take my loyalty for granted.

Léirigh an madra dílseacht iontach dá mháistir.

The dog showed great loyalty to its master.

Bhí dílseachtaí éagsúla ag muintir an bhaile.

The townspeople had different loyalties.

Níl amhras ar bith faoina dílseacht don fhoireann.

There is no doubt about her loyalty to the team.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

díoltasrevenge learsea tímark réigiúnregion briatharverb feachtascampaign

Loyalty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for loyalty?

The Irish for loyalty is dílseacht (pronounced “DEEL-shukht”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is dílseachtaí. Depending on context it can also mean ownership or genuineness.

How do you pronounce dílseacht in Irish?

Dílseacht is said like “DEEL-shukht” (IPA /ˈdʲiːlʲʃəxt̪/).

What is the plural of loyalty in Irish?

The plural of dílseacht is dílseachtaí; with the article, na dílseachtaí means “the loyalties”. The genitive plural is dílseachtaí, as in coimhlint na ndílseachtaí (the conflict of loyalties).

Does dílseacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Dílseacht can mean loyalty, ownership or genuineness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does dílseacht change to dhílseacht or ndílseacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) dílseacht becomes mo dhílseacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndílseacht (eclipsis).

How do I say 'disloyalty' or 'infidelity'?

Use 'mídhílseacht', formed with the prefix mí- and lenition.

Is 'dílseacht' related to 'dílis'?

Yes, 'dílseacht' is the abstract noun from the adjective 'dílis' (loyal, faithful, own), as in 'a chara dhílis'.

Loyalty in Irish (Dílseacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage