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Opposition in Irish (Freasú): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘freasú’ also means: reaction

The Irish for opposition is freasú, a masculine noun (plural freasuithe).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “opposition” in Irish

Irish:
freasú
English:
opposition, reaction
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“FRAS-oo”  /ˈfʲɾʲasˠuː/
Various forms
Plural:
freasuithe (oppositions)
Genitive singular:
freasaithe, an fhreasaithe (e.g. lucht an fhreasaithe, the people in opposition)
Genitive plural:
freasuithe, na bhfreasuithe (e.g. neart na bhfreasuithe, the strength of the oppositions)

What does “freasú” mean?

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

opposition
The act of opposing or resisting something; it is the verbal noun of the verb 'freasaigh' (oppose).Also: resistance, opposing, counteraction.
1 other meaning: reaction
2reaction
A counter-action or reaction against something, especially in a technical or political sense.Also: counteraction, backlash.

Other Irish words for opposition: freasúra (opposition)

“Freasú” with the article

The plural of opposition in Irish is freasuithe. Here is freasú after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an freasú
the opposition
No change after an
na freasuithe
the oppositions
Plural: no change after na

“Freasú” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using freasú, the Irish word for opposition.

Bhí freasú láidir in aghaidh an phlean.
There was strong opposition to the plan.
Níor léirigh siad aon fhreasú.
They showed no resistance.
Tháinig an freasú ó mhuintir an bhaile.
The opposition came from the local people.
Ní raibh mórán freasaithe ann.
There wasn't much opposition.
Bhí freasuithe éagsúla ar an mbeartas.
There were various objections to the policy.
Chuir sé freasú ar an moladh.
He opposed the proposal.
Bhí mé i bhfreasú leis an gcinneadh sin.
I was opposed to that decision.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Opposition in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for opposition?

The Irish for opposition is freasú (pronounced “FRAS-oo”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is freasuithe. Depending on context it can also mean reaction.

How do you pronounce freasú in Irish?

Freasú is said like “FRAS-oo” (IPA /ˈfʲɾʲasˠuː/).

What is the plural of opposition in Irish?

The plural of freasú is freasuithe; with the article, na freasuithe means “the oppositions”. The genitive plural is freasuithe, as in neart na bhfreasuithe (the strength of the oppositions).

Does freasú have more than one meaning?

Yes. Freasú can mean opposition or reaction, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does freasú change to fhreasú or bhfreasú?

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

What is the difference between 'freasú' and 'agóid'?

'Freasú' is opposition or resistance in general, while 'agóid' is an objection or a protest, often a public one.

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