HeyRuaHow to say “spreading” in Irish
- Irish:
- forleathnú
- English:
- spreading, extension
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- forleathnaigh, to spread (ag forleathnú, spreading)
- Gender:
- masculine
- Pronunciation:
- “FOR-lah-noo” /ˈfˠɔɾˠlʲahn̪ˠuː/
- Genitive singular:
- forleathnaithe, an fhorleathnaithe (e.g. ráta forleathnaithe an ghalair, the rate of spread of the disease)
What does “forleathnú” mean?
“Forleathnú” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- spreading
- The verbal noun of the verb 'forleathnaigh': the act of spreading something widely or becoming widespread.Also: spread, diffusion, dissemination, propagation.
“Forleathnú” as a verbal noun
After ag, forleathnú means spreading: it is the verbal noun of the verb forleathnaigh (to spread). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Forleathnú” with the article
Here is forleathnú after the article (an t-alt).
“Forleathnú” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using forleathnú, the Irish word for spreading.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Spreading in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for spreading?
The Irish for spreading is forleathnú (pronounced “FOR-lah-noo”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean extension.
How do you pronounce forleathnú in Irish?
Forleathnú is said like “FOR-lah-noo” (IPA /ˈfˠɔɾˠlʲahn̪ˠuː/).
Does forleathnú have a plural?
No plural form is given for forleathnú in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does forleathnú have more than one meaning?
Yes. Forleathnú can mean spreading or extension, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does forleathnú change to fhorleathnú or bhforleathnú?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) forleathnú becomes m'fhorleathnú (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhforleathnú (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'forleathnú' and 'leathnú'?
'Leathnú' is simply widening or broadening, while 'forleathnú' stresses spreading widely or becoming widespread, as in 'forleathnú an ghalair'. The adjective 'forleathan' means widespread.
