Sentimentality in Irish (Maoithneas): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for sentimentality?

The Irish for sentimentality is maoithneas (pronounced “MWEE-nyuss”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sensitiveness.

Q: Does maoithneas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maoithneas can mean sentimentality or sensitiveness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sentimentality” in Irish

Irish:: maoithneas
English:: sentimentality, sensitiveness
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “MWEE-nyuss” /ˈmˠiːhnʲəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: maoithnis, an mhaoithnis (e.g. tonn maoithnis, a wave of sentimentality)

What does “maoithneas” mean?

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

sentimentality: A tender, often excessive, feeling of emotion or nostalgia about something.Also: sentiment, tenderness, nostalgia, mawkishness.

1 other meaning: sensitiveness

2sensitiveness: The quality of being easily moved or touched emotionally.Also: sensitivity, emotionalism.

“Maoithneas” with the article

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

an maoithneas

the sentimentality

No change after an

“Maoithneas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using maoithneas, the Irish word for sentimentality.

Níl aon mhaoithneas ag baint leis an scéal sin.

There is no sentimentality in that story.

Tháinig maoithneas orm nuair a chonaic mé an seanteach.

I got sentimental when I saw the old house.

Bhí an maoithneas le brath ar a ghlór.

The emotion could be heard in his voice.

Is fuath léi scannáin lán de mhaoithneas.

She hates films full of sentimentality.

Labhair sé gan mhaoithneas faoina óige.

He spoke without sentimentality about his youth.

Ní raibh rian maoithnis san óráid.

There was no trace of sentimentality in the speech.

Tá an iomarca maoithnis sna hamhráin sin.

There is too much sentimentality in those songs.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Sentimentality in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sentimentality?

The Irish for sentimentality is maoithneas (pronounced “MWEE-nyuss”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean sensitiveness.

How do you pronounce maoithneas in Irish?

Maoithneas is said like “MWEE-nyuss” (IPA /ˈmˠiːhnʲəsˠ/).

Does maoithneas have a plural?

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

Does maoithneas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maoithneas can mean sentimentality or sensitiveness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does maoithneas change to mhaoithneas?

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

What is the adjective related to maoithneas?

The adjective is 'maoithneach', meaning sentimental or emotional, as in 'amhrán maoithneach' (a sentimental song).

How is maoithneas different from cumha?

'Cumha' is homesickness or grief for something lost, while 'maoithneas' is a softer, sometimes excessive, sentimental feeling.

Sentimentality in Irish (Maoithneas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage