HeyRuaHow to say “withering” in Irish
- Irish:
- feo
- English:
- withering, decay
- Word type:
- noun (verbal noun)
- Verbal noun of:
- feoigh, to wither (ag feo, withering)
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “fyoh” /fʲoː/
- Plural:
- feonna
- Genitive singular:
- feo, an fheo (e.g. comharthaí an fheo, signs of withering)
- Genitive plural:
- feonna, na bhfeonna (e.g. leathadh na bhfeonna, the spread of the blights)
What does “feo” mean?
“Feo” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- withering
- The verbal noun of 'feoigh': the act of withering, drying up or wilting, as of plants or flowers.Also: wilting, fading, drying up.
1 other meaning: decay
- 2decay
- Decay or rot, the state of something wasting away or decomposing.Also: rot, decomposition, wasting.
“Feo” as a verbal noun
After ag, feo means withering: it is the verbal noun of the verb feoigh (to wither). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.
“Feo” with the article
The plural of withering in Irish is feonna. Here is feo after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Feo” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using feo, the Irish word for withering.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Withering in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for withering?
The Irish for withering is feo (pronounced “fyoh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is feonna. Depending on context it can also mean decay.
How do you pronounce feo in Irish?
Feo is said like “fyoh” (IPA /fʲoː/).
What is the plural of withering in Irish?
The plural of feo is feonna; with the article, it is na feonna. The genitive plural is feonna, as in leathadh na bhfeonna (the spread of the blights).
Does feo have more than one meaning?
Yes. Feo can mean withering or decay, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does feo change to fheo or bhfeo?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) feo becomes m'fheo (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfeo (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'feo' and 'lobhadh'?
'Feo' is mainly withering or drying up, as of plants, while 'lobhadh' is rotting or putrefaction. 'Tá feo ar an bhféar' means the grass is withered.
