Sovereignty in Irish (Ardfhlaitheas): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for sovereignty?

The Irish for sovereignty is ardfhlaitheas (pronounced “AWRD-lah-hus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean suzerainty.

Q: Does ardfhlaitheas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ardfhlaitheas can mean sovereignty or suzerainty, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “sovereignty” in Irish

Irish:: ardfhlaitheas
English:: sovereignty, suzerainty
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine
Pronunciation:: “AWRD-lah-hus” /ˈaːɾˠd̪ˠˌl̪ˠahəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: ardfhlaithis, an ardfhlaithis (e.g. ceist an ardfhlaithis, the question of sovereignty)

What does “ardfhlaitheas” mean?

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

sovereignty: Supreme power or authority over a state or territory.Also: supreme authority, supreme rule.

1 other meaning: suzerainty

2suzerainty: Overlordship: the authority one ruler or state holds over another that keeps some self-government.Also: overlordship, paramountcy.

“Ardfhlaitheas” with the article

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

an t-ardfhlaitheas

the sovereignty

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Ardfhlaitheas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using ardfhlaitheas, the Irish word for sovereignty.

Bhí ardfhlaitheas ag an rí ar an tír ar fad.

The king had sovereignty over the whole country.

Throid siad ar son ardfhlaitheas na hÉireann.

They fought for Irish sovereignty.

Is ceist ardfhlaithis í seo don rialtas.

This is a question of sovereignty for the government.

Níor ghlac na taoisigh leis an ardfhlaitheas sin.

The chieftains did not accept that overlordship.

Cailleadh an t-ardfhlaitheas tar éis an chogaidh.

Sovereignty was lost after the war.

Labhair an t-aire faoi ardfhlaitheas an stáit.

The minister spoke about the sovereignty of the state.

Tá an t-ardfhlaitheas ag an bpobal, dar leis an mbunreacht.

According to the constitution, sovereignty rests with the people.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

rudthing aghaidhface ábharmaterial áthford clárboard páistechild

Sovereignty in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for sovereignty?

The Irish for sovereignty is ardfhlaitheas (pronounced “AWRD-lah-hus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean suzerainty.

How do you pronounce ardfhlaitheas in Irish?

Ardfhlaitheas is said like “AWRD-lah-hus” (IPA /ˈaːɾˠd̪ˠˌl̪ˠahəsˠ/).

Does ardfhlaitheas have a plural?

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

Does ardfhlaitheas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Ardfhlaitheas can mean sovereignty or suzerainty, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does ardfhlaitheas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-ardfhlaitheas (the sovereignty), a hardfhlaitheas (her sovereignty), a n-ardfhlaitheas (their sovereignty).

How does 'ardfhlaitheas' differ from 'flaitheas'?

'Flaitheas' means rule or sovereignty in general (and also heaven, as in 'flaitheas Dé'), while 'ardfhlaitheas' stresses supreme or overriding authority, sovereignty or suzerainty.

Sovereignty in Irish (Ardfhlaitheas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage