Martyrdom in Irish (Mairtíreacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for martyrdom?

The Irish for martyrdom is mairtíreacht (pronounced “MAR-tee-ryukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean great suffering.

Q: Does mairtíreacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mairtíreacht can mean martyrdom or great suffering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “martyrdom” in Irish

Irish:: mairtíreacht
English:: martyrdom, great suffering
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “MAR-tee-ryukht” /ˈmˠaɾʲtʲiːɾʲəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: mairtíreachta, na mairtíreachta (e.g. coróin na mairtíreachta, the crown of martyrdom)

What does “mairtíreacht” mean?

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

martyrdom: The suffering and death of a person who is killed because of their faith or beliefs.Also: martyr's death, suffering for faith.

1 other meaning: great suffering

2great suffering: Prolonged pain or torment, often used loosely for any great ordeal.Also: torment, agony, ordeal.

“Mairtíreacht” with the article

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

an mhairtíreacht

the martyrdom

Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Mairtíreacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using mairtíreacht, the Irish word for martyrdom.

Fuair an naomh bás mairtíreachta sa Róimh.

The saint died a martyr's death in Rome.

Is scéal mairtíreachta é seo.

This is a story of martyrdom.

Bhí an mhairtíreacht ina cuid de stair na hEaglaise.

Martyrdom was part of the history of the Church.

Ba mhairtíreacht cheart an turas fada sin.

That long journey was real torment.

Labhair an sagart faoi mhairtíreacht na n-aspal.

The priest spoke about the martyrdom of the apostles.

Ní raibh eagla air roimh an mairtíreacht.

He was not afraid of martyrdom.

Is mairtíreacht dom an obair seo gach lá.

This work is torture for me every day.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Martyrdom in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for martyrdom?

The Irish for martyrdom is mairtíreacht (pronounced “MAR-tee-ryukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean great suffering.

How do you pronounce mairtíreacht in Irish?

Mairtíreacht is said like “MAR-tee-ryukht” (IPA /ˈmˠaɾʲtʲiːɾʲəxt̪ˠ/).

Does mairtíreacht have a plural?

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

Does mairtíreacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Mairtíreacht can mean martyrdom or great suffering, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does mairtíreacht change to mhairtíreacht?

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

What is the difference between 'mairtíreacht' and 'mairtíreach'?

'Mairtíreach' is the person, a martyr, while 'mairtíreacht' is the state or act, martyrdom.

Martyrdom in Irish (Mairtíreacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage