Definition

Irish Gaelic (noun) 1. The Celtic language of Ireland: Irish Gaelic is the modern Celtic language spoken primarily in Ireland. It is one of the two official languages of the Republic of Ireland and is also spoken in some communities in Northern Ireland. It is a Goidelic language, distinct from the Brythonic Celtic languages like Welsh.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She is studying Irish Gaelic at university.
  • The sign was written in both English and Irish Gaelic.
  • Efforts are being made to revitalize the teaching of Irish Gaelic in schools.

Advanced Usage

• "to speak Irish Gaelic": This is the standard phrase for indicating language ability. Note that in Ireland, the language is commonly referred to simply as "Irish."
  • He can speak Irish Gaelic fluently.

Variants and Related Words

• Irish (noun): The more common name for the language within Ireland itself. "Irish Gaelic" is often used internationally for clarity.
  • The official name of the language in the constitution is simply Irish.
• Gaeilge (noun): The Irish Gaelic word for the Irish language itself.
• Goidelic (adj): Referring to the branch of Celtic languages that includes Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx.

Synonyms

• Irish (when referring to the language)
• Gaelic (though this term can ambiguously refer to Scottish Gaelic)

Related Phrases

• The Irish language: A common descriptive phrase equivalent to "Irish Gaelic."
  • There is a rich tradition of poetry in the Irish language.

Noun

1. the Celtic language of Ireland