HeyRuaHow to say “sharpening” in Irish
- Irish:
- géarú
- English:
- sharpening, intensification, acceleration
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- géaraigh, to sharpen (ag géarú, sharpening)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “GAYR-oo” /ˈɟeːɾˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- géaraithe, an ghéaraithe (e.g. cloch ghéaraithe, sharpening stone)
What does “géarú” mean?
“Géarú” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- sharpening
- The act of making something sharper, such as a blade; it is the verbal noun of the verb géaraigh.Also: whetting, honing.
2 other meanings: intensification or acceleration
- 2intensification
- The act of becoming or making something more intense, severe or acute, as with a crisis, pain or conflict.Also: escalation, worsening, aggravation.
- 3acceleration
- The act of quickening or speeding up, as in pace or movement.Also: quickening, speeding up.
“Géarú” as a verbal noun
After ag, géarú means sharpening: it is the verbal noun of the verb géaraigh (to sharpen). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Géarú” with the article
Here is géarú after the article (an t-alt).
“Géarú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using géarú, the Irish word for sharpening.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Sharpening in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for sharpening?
The Irish for sharpening is géarú (pronounced “GAYR-oo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean intensification or acceleration.
How do you pronounce géarú in Irish?
Géarú is said like “GAYR-oo” (IPA /ˈɟeːɾˠuː/).
Does géarú have a plural?
No plural form is given for géarú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does géarú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Géarú can mean sharpening, intensification or acceleration, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does géarú change to ghéarú or ngéarú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) géarú becomes mo ghéarú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ngéarú (eclipsis).
Is géarú the same as luasghéarú?
Luasghéarú specifically means acceleration in speed, while géarú is broader: sharpening, intensifying or quickening, e.g. géarú ar an gcoimhlint, escalation of the conflict.
