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Relief in Irish (Rilíf): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘rilíf’ also means: relief (in geography)

The Irish for relief is rilíf, a feminine noun (plural rilífí).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “relief” in Irish

Irish:
rilíf
English:
relief, relief (in geography)
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:
“RIL-eef”  /ˈrʲɪlʲiːfʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
rilífí (reliefs)
Genitive singular:
rilífe, na rilífe (e.g. léarscáil rilífe, relief map)
Genitive plural:
rilífí, na rilífí (e.g. bailiúchán na rilífí, the collection of the reliefs)

What does “rilíf” mean?

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

relief
A raised design or carving that stands out from a flat background, as in sculpture or architecture.Also: relief sculpture, raised carving, embossed design.
1 other meaning: relief (in geography)
2relief (in geography)
The variation in height of the land surface, as shown on a map.Also: relief, land relief, terrain, relief map.

Other Irish words for relief: faoiseamh (relief)

“Rilíf” with the article

The plural of relief in Irish is rilífí. Here is rilíf after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an rilíf
the relief
No change after an
na rilífí
the reliefs
Plural: no change after na

“Rilíf” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using rilíf, the Irish word for relief.

Tá rilíf álainn ar bhalla na heaglaise.
There is a beautiful relief on the church wall.
Rinne an dealbhóir an rilíf as cloch.
The sculptor made the relief out of stone.
Taispeánann an léarscáil rilífe na sléibhte go soiléir.
The relief map shows the mountains clearly.
Chonaiceamar rilífí Éigipteacha sa mhúsaem.
We saw Egyptian reliefs in the museum.
Tá na figiúirí i rilíf ar an gcros ard.
The figures are in relief on the high cross.
Is maith liom mionsonraí na rilífe seo.
I like the details of this relief.
Rinne mé staidéar ar rilíf na tíre sa rang.
I studied the relief of the country in class.

Other nouns in Irish

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Relief in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for relief?

The Irish for relief is rilíf (pronounced “RIL-eef”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is rilífí. Depending on context it can also mean relief (in geography).

How do you pronounce rilíf in Irish?

Rilíf is said like “RIL-eef” (IPA /ˈrʲɪlʲiːfʲ/).

What is the plural of relief in Irish?

The plural of rilíf is rilífí; with the article, na rilífí means “the reliefs”. The genitive plural is rilífí, as in bailiúchán na rilífí (the collection of the reliefs).

Does rilíf have more than one meaning?

Yes. Rilíf can mean relief or relief (in geography), depending on context; the first is the most common.

Can I use 'rilíf' for the feeling of relief?

No, 'rilíf' is for raised carving or land relief. For the feeling of relief use 'faoiseamh', and for aid use 'fóirithint'.

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