cinnte
/ˈcəinʲtʲə/
The Irish word for definite is cinnte.
cinnte means definite, or it can be used to mean sure or certain.
Meaning: free from any doubt (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈcəinʲtʲə/
Did you know?
- The root word cinn also means 'head'. In Irish, the idea of something being 'definite' or 'fixed' is conceptually linked to the head or the top of something.
- The word cinnte can be used to describe a 'definite' answer, but in traditional Irish folklore, certainty is often contrasted with the unpredictable nature of the 'Sídhe' or fairies.
- In certain dialects, the pronunciation of the 't' in cinnte can sound much softer or even disappear, blending into the surrounding vowels.
Examples in context
- Tá sé cinnte go mbeimid ann.It's definite that we will be there.
- Tá mé cinnte faoi sin.I am certain about that.
- An bhfuil tú cinnte?Are you certain?
Example conversation
Siobhán and Cathal are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- SiobhánAn bhfuil tú cinnte go bhfuil an lá sin saor?Are you definite that that day is free?
- CathalTá, tá mé cinnte go mór.Yes, I am very definite.
- SiobhánGo hiontach, déanaimid an plean.Great, let's make the plan.
- CathalCeart go leor, Siobhán.All right, Siobhán.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cinnte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
