HeyRuaHow to say “rite” in Irish
- Irish:
- deasghnáth
- English:
- rite, formality
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “DYAS-ghnaw” /ˈdʲasˌɣn̪ˠɑː/
- Plural:
- deasghnátha (rites)
- Genitive singular:
- deasghnátha, an deasghnátha (e.g. brí an deasghnátha, the meaning of the rite)
- Genitive plural:
- deasghnáth, na ndeasghnáth (e.g. leabhar na ndeasghnáth, the book of the rites)
What does “deasghnáth” mean?
“Deasghnáth” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- rite
- A set formal or religious ceremony performed in a fixed way.Also: ritual, ceremony.
1 other meaning: formality
- 2formality
- A fixed, conventional procedure or custom that is followed as a matter of form.Also: convention, procedure.
Other Irish words for rite: searmanas (ceremony)
“Deasghnáth” with the article
The plural of rite in Irish is deasghnátha. Here is deasghnáth after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Deasghnáth” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using deasghnáth, the Irish word for rite.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Rite in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for rite?
The Irish for rite is deasghnáth (pronounced “DYAS-ghnaw”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is deasghnátha. Depending on context it can also mean formality.
How do you pronounce deasghnáth in Irish?
Deasghnáth is said like “DYAS-ghnaw” (IPA /ˈdʲasˌɣn̪ˠɑː/).
What is the plural of rite in Irish?
The plural of deasghnáth is deasghnátha; with the article, na deasghnátha means “the rites”. The genitive plural is deasghnáth, as in leabhar na ndeasghnáth (the book of the rites).
Does deasghnáth have more than one meaning?
Yes. Deasghnáth can mean rite or formality, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does deasghnáth change to dheasghnáth or ndeasghnáth?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) deasghnáth becomes mo dheasghnáth (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndeasghnáth (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'deasghnáth' and 'searmanas'?
'Deasghnáth' stresses the fixed form of a rite or ritual, while 'searmanas' is the general word for a ceremony or event, such as 'searmanas bronnta'.
