Definition

Proper noun A branch of the Celtic languages, historically spoken in Ireland and Scotland, and including the modern languages Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx.

Usage

The term "Goidelic" is used primarily in linguistic and historical contexts to classify and discuss this specific group of Celtic languages. * The Goidelic languages share common grammatical features. * Scholars study the evolution from Old Irish to the modern Goidelic tongues.

Advanced Usage

• Goidelic is often contrasted with the Brythonic (or Brittonic) branch of Celtic languages, which includes Welsh, Cornish, and Breton.
• The term can be used adjectivally to describe features pertaining to these languages or their speakers (e.g., Goidelic syntax, Goidelic peoples).

Variants and Related Words

• Gaelic: This is a more common, but sometimes ambiguous, term. While often used synonymously with "Goidelic," it can specifically refer to Scottish Gaelic. "Goidelic" is the precise linguistic classification.
• Q-Celtic: An alternative linguistic label for the Goidelic branch, based on a sound change that distinguishes it from P-Celtic (Brythonic).

Synonyms

• Gaelic (in its broad sense)

Different Meanings

The word "Goidelic" has one primary, specialized meaning related to Celtic linguistics and does not have common idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.

Noun

1. any of several related languages of the Celts in Ireland and Scotland