HeyRua Get the app

Zeal in Irish (Díograis): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘díograis’ also means: devotion

The Irish for zeal is díograis, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “zeal” in Irish

Irish:
díograis
English:
zeal, devotion
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:
“JEE-gruh-ish”  /ˈdʲiːɡɾˠəʃ/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
díograise, na díograise (e.g. teas na díograise, the heat of the zeal)

What does “díograis” mean?

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

zeal
Eager, wholehearted enthusiasm and energy for something.Also: enthusiasm, fervour, ardour, eagerness.
1 other meaning: devotion
2devotion
Warm, earnest affection or dedication towards a person or cause.Also: fervent love, dedication, earnestness.

“Díograis” with the article

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

an díograis
the zeal
No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Díograis” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using díograis, the Irish word for zeal.

Thug sí faoin obair le díograis mhór.
She tackled the work with great zeal.
Bhí an díograis le feiceáil ina súile.
The enthusiasm could be seen in her eyes.
Tá díograis ar leith ag na daltaí seo.
These pupils have a special enthusiasm.
Chuir a dhíograis iontas ar an múinteoir.
His zeal surprised the teacher.
Labhair sé le díograis faoin teanga.
He spoke fervently about the language.
Níor chaill sí a díograis riamh.
She never lost her enthusiasm.
Is iontach an díograis atá iontu.
Their dedication is wonderful.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Zeal in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for zeal?

The Irish for zeal is díograis (pronounced “JEE-gruh-ish”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean devotion.

How do you pronounce díograis in Irish?

Díograis is said like “JEE-gruh-ish” (IPA /ˈdʲiːɡɾˠəʃ/).

Does díograis have a plural?

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

Does díograis have more than one meaning?

Yes. Díograis can mean zeal or devotion, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does díograis change to dhíograis or ndíograis?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) díograis becomes mo dhíograis (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndíograis (eclipsis).

What is the difference between díograis and dúthracht?

Both mean earnest zeal; dúthracht stresses diligence and sincere effort, while díograis stresses fervour and enthusiasm. The adjective from díograis is díograiseach, 'zealous, enthusiastic'.

Learn Irish by
actually speaking it

Learn everyday Irish words like díograis through guided conversation with Rua.

7-day free trial. Cancel anytime.

The HeyRua app home screen