HeyRuaHow to say “sermon” in Irish
- Irish:
- seanmóir
- English:
- sermon, lecture
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, third declension
- Pronunciation:
- “SHAN-uh-mohr” /ˈʃanˠəmˠoːɾʲ/
- Plural:
- seanmóirí (sermons)
- Genitive singular:
- seanmóra, na seanmóra (e.g. téama na seanmóra, the theme of the sermon)
- Genitive plural:
- seanmóirí, na seanmóirí (e.g. leabhar seanmóirí, a book of sermons)
What does “seanmóir” mean?
“Seanmóir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sermon
- A religious talk given by a priest or minister, usually during a church service.Also: homily, preaching.
1 other meaning: lecture
- 2lecture
- A long moralising talk telling someone how they should behave.Also: telling-off, moralising talk.
“Seanmóir” with the article
The plural of sermon in Irish is seanmóirí. Here is seanmóir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Seanmóir” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using seanmóir, the Irish word for sermon.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sermon in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sermon?
The Irish for sermon is seanmóir (pronounced “SHAN-uh-mohr”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is seanmóirí. Depending on context it can also mean lecture.
How do you pronounce seanmóir in Irish?
Seanmóir is said like “SHAN-uh-mohr” (IPA /ˈʃanˠəmˠoːɾʲ/).
What is the plural of sermon in Irish?
The plural of seanmóir is seanmóirí; with the article, na seanmóirí means “the sermons”. The genitive plural is seanmóirí, as in leabhar seanmóirí (a book of sermons).
Does seanmóir have more than one meaning?
Yes. Seanmóir can mean sermon or lecture, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does seanmóir change to sheanmóir?
After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheanmóir. After ár (our) it stays ár seanmóir, because s does not take eclipsis.
Does 'seanmóir' have anything to do with 'sean' (old)?
No, despite the look, seanmóir comes from Latin sermo, sermonis, not from sean. The verb 'to preach' is seanmóir a thabhairt or seanmóireacht a dhéanamh.
Can 'seanmóir' be used outside church?
Yes, as in English 'sermon', it can mean a moralising lecture: Ná tabhair seanmóir dom, 'Don't lecture me'.
